ERIC Number: EJ841557
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1062-9017
EISSN: N/A
Being a Mathematics Learner: Four Faces of Identity
Anderson, Rick
Mathematics Educator, v17 n1 p7-14 2007
One dimension of mathematics learning is developing an identity as a mathematics learner. The social learning theories of Gee (2001) and Wenger (1998) serve as a basis for the discussion of four "faces" of identity: engagement, imagination, alignment, and nature. A study conducted with 54 rural high school students, with half enrolled in a mathematics course, provides evidence for how these "faces" highlight different ways students develop their identity relative to their experiences with classroom mathematics. Using this identity framework several ways that student identities--relative to mathematics learning--can be developed, supported, and maintained by teachers are provided. (Contains 2 figures and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Learning Theories, Socialization, Mathematics Education, High School Students, Rural Youth, Surveys, Mathematics Curriculum
Mathematics Education Student Association, University of Georgia. 105 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA 30602. Tel: 706-542-4194; Fax: 706-542-4551; e-mail: mesaprez@gmail.com; Web site: http://math.coe.uga.edu/Mesa/MESA.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A