Public perception of mathematics

Public perception of mathematics includes the way in which people (not just mathematicians) perceives mathematics, and the public opinion of this science.[1]

The manner of public perception of mathematics is significant for many reasons, especially those related to education and social issues.[2] In Italy, as in other European countries, the public perception of mathematics is negative and full of prejudice often related to how it is taught.[3]

Education

Mathematics education plays a key role in the public perception of mathematics.[4] The abstract part of mathematics makes the student feel to be bad at mathematics,[5] while others see mathematics as hard and for "intelligent people".[6] On these, Terence Tao tried to answer to the question "does one have to be a genius to do mathematics?" saying no.[7]

Advocacy

Several groups have tried to change or improve the public perception of mathematics:[8]

In France, Animath changes the public perception of mathematics in France.[9] MathsWorldUK tries to transform the United Kingdom public's perception of mathematics.[10]

References

  1. Kaur, T (2022). "Students' perceptions of mathematics writing and its impact on their enjoyment and self-confidence". academic.oup.com. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  2. Kopciewicz, Lucyna (2013). "Mathematics failures in girls and ethnic minorities in the perspective of questions about ideologies in education". Problemy Wczesnej Edukacji. IX (4 (23)): 15–31. ISSN 1734-1582.
  3. Capozucca, Andrea (2017-12-01). "Communicating mathematics in Europe". Lettera Matematica. 5 (4): 269–277. doi:10.1007/s40329-017-0199-8. ISSN 2281-5937. S2CID 165668511.
  4. Taffe, J. (1989-01-01). "The unpopularity of mathematics: can teacher education change the picture?". Australian Senior Mathematics Journal.
  5. Mariamah, M; Ratnah, R; Katimah, Husnul; Rahman, Arif; Haris, Abd (2021-06-01). "Analysis of Students' Perceptions of Mathematics Subjects: Case studies in Elementary Schools". Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1933 (1): 012074. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1933/1/012074. ISSN 1742-6596. S2CID 235478649.
  6. Leder, Gilah C.; Forgasz, Helen J. (2010-07-01). I Liked It till Pythagoras: The Public's Views of Mathematics. Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia.
  7. "Does one have to be a genius to do maths?". What's new. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  8. Hart, George; Heathfield, Elisabeth (2017-07-01). Making Math Visible. pp. 63–70. ISBN 978-1-938664-22-9.
  9. "Filles et mathématiques, une équation complexe" (in fr). Le Monde.fr. 2022-03-21. https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2022/03/21/filles-et-mathematiques-une-equation-complexe_6118451_3224.html. Retrieved 2022-10-08. 
  10. "Case Study: MathsCity – The home of hands-on maths". katiesteckles.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-10-08.