Jeffrey Barrett, Illinois State University
Dave Klanderman, Trinity Christian College
Abstract
During our nearly two decades within the mathematics education research community, including collaborative research spanning the past seven years, we have observed an ongoing struggle to justify and apply apparently inconsistent theories of learning mathematics. Many researchers avoid reference to an underlying worldview or belief system in this debate. However, following the lead of Marsden (1997), we strive to articulate a Christian worldview and apply it in the development of an overall learning theory in mathematics education. This paper describes examples of the variety of theories and their underlying worldviews that are present in mathematics education, and provides a more detailed analysis of one researcher’s struggle to resolve tensions between competing theories without discussing a belief system. It delineates some elements of a Christian worldview and concludes with how this approach can either eliminate or embrace these apparent tensions between competing theories.
Read the Article in .PDF format here:
A Christian Constructivist? The Impact of Worldview on Learning Theories and the Mathematics Education Research Community