Problematizing the metaphors of unpacking, deconstructing, and decompressing mathematics

Journal article

Scheiner, Thorsten and Bowers, David. (2023). Problematizing the metaphors of unpacking, deconstructing, and decompressing mathematics. For the Learning of Mathematics. 43(1), pp. 9-13.
AuthorsScheiner, Thorsten and Bowers, David
Abstract

This paper problematizes the metaphors of unpacking, deconstructing, and decompressing mathematics that are prevalent in discourses about mathematics teacher knowledge. It is argued that the logic of these metaphors is based on the reversibility of packing, constructing, and compressing mathematics and seems to suggest the view that knowledge is in some ways similar to physical objects in the material world that can be taken apart and put back together. Although such a view may be intuitively compelling, it is problematic and misleading in light of existing research on mathematical knowing and learning. Moreover, these metaphors can be understood as playing a role in the ongoing process of colonization, and as such must be conscientiously and critically understood, applied, and analyzed.

Year2023
JournalFor the Learning of Mathematics
Journal citation43 (1), pp. 9-13
PublisherFLM Publishing Association
ISSN0228-0671
Web address (URL)https://flm-journal.org/index.php?do=details&lang=en&vol=43&num=1&pages=9-13&ArtID=1411
Page range9-13
Publisher's version
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
OnlineMar 2023
Publication process dates
Deposited08 Aug 2023
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