Reflection on Mathematics' Role in Citizenship Education

Elaine Simmit has presented the importance of Mathematics education in developing informed and active citizens of the world. Personally, I have taken the 'relationship between mathematics and society' for granted. Thinking about it, I realize that our society is indeed obsessed in quantifying everything with numbers from weather forecast, sports statistics, and even as simple as buying and selling goods. Mathematics is definitely the foundation of our society today. Hence, as mathematics educators, we have a great responsibility in not just teaching the mathematics but also educating for active participation in the world.
To achieve the goal of citizenship education, Simmit suggests us to look into our practices. According to Simmit, the following 3 strategies would potentially conflict with our goal:

1. Mathematics is a "set of facts, skills and processes".
2. Mathematics are facts and fact.
3. Mathematics is either right or wrong.

I agree with Simmit that such teaching would prohibit our students in becoming individuals with critical thinking ability. If Mathematics is taught with focus in computation and getting the right answer, students lose the ability to question and to think. Thus the question, "why do we have to learn this" should be encouraged in our classrooms. Simmit has also suggested the following 3 strategies that would promote our goal of citizenship education:

1. Variable-entry prompts and investigations: problem posing.
2. The Demand for Explanation
3. Mathematical Conversations

I can see how important it is to incorporate these 3 strategies into my teaching. In encouraging our students to problem posing, not only do they strengthen their mathematics understanding, they also gain the ability to negotiate and evaluate the solutions. This is applicable to daily activity that we often have to deal with when difficult situation arises. In addition, it should be emphasized with our students that math is not just about giving the right answer. They should realize that they need to be able to demand and to give explanation. Only by doing so, can they become independent and responsible individual in the society who can think critically. Lastly, I hope to have an open environment where everyone feels comfortable in expressing their opinions. I believe that open communication and interaction can further everyone's learning experience.

We all understand the great responsibility that teachers have. Simmit however, has further the concept by presenting that mathematics education is essential to citizenship education. As a mathematics teacher candidate, I would strive for teaching my students of various abilities and interest in mathematics to become active participants of today's world. I would keep in mind not to just teach in terms of curriculum but also to teach in terms of being active citizens and empowering them to make positive changes in the world. It is definitely not an easy task but nothing is impossible if we set our minds to.