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Mathematics Education as a Community: Collective Efforts and Insights from ICME
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This month, Dr. Paul Gray and I attended International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME) in Sydney, Australia as representatives of NCSM. This was the fifteenth meeting of ICME. There were representatives from 97 countries amongst the nearly 2500 people who attended. The conference is intended to explore “current global trends in mathematics education research and mathematics teaching practices at all levels.”
We connected with valued colleagues from the United States and engaged with new colleagues dedicated to studying mathematics education from around the world. There were so many great sessions, it was hard to choose only one each in time slot!
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One unique opportunity that ICME offers is the chance to be a part of a topic study group (TSGs) to collaboratively explore topics relevant to mathematics education through the submission of papers, session-based discussions, and report synthesis.
NCTM, AMTE, ASSM and NCSM submitted a paper that was presented as part of a TSG on the Social and Political Dimensions of Mathematics Education, entitled “Social and Political Issues Faced by North American Mathematical Organizations: Collective Discussions and Action.”
We discussed with our study group members the efforts of our organizations to work collaboratively and share ideas collectively, leading to more action and strength in addressing the systemic issues in mathematics education and in organizations in general. It was exciting to hear other’s presentations about their successes and to be able to share what we are doing to continuously improve together.
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Going Far as a Community
I was moved by the talk given during the opening ceremony by Colin Walangari Karntawarra McCormack, an Australian Aboriginal Artist and Aboriginal Elder from Alice Springs who now lives and works in Sydney. He was wearing the traditional garb and paint of his tribe, he played several of their musical instruments, and shared a bit about their culture.
Walangari said that they consider the world as a book of creation, with chapters for each place that comes together to tell the whole story. He said that we need to learn from those around the world, not forgetting those in our own communities including ancestors and natives of the land. He suggested that the key to success is keeping both a sense of community and a purpose and emphasized that everyone should consider how to go far as a community instead of going fast on your own. He said that his tribe practices the culture that makes them strong and encouraged us to do so as well.
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ICME might be seen as a way to do just what Walangari was suggesting—practicing the culture of learning from each other, which makes us stronger. This was an opportunity for us to learn and grow as a community, from those who live near and those who live far away, contributing different chapters in the book of mathematics education. This was a chance for us to consider how we, together as a community, can move further than we might on our own.
I will cherish the learning I experienced from ICME and will share the ideas and research that I found so impactful for my understanding and sense of purpose with others. What are you doing to learn and share your purpose with others? I hope to see you and hear all about it at the upcoming conference in Chicago!
— Katey Arrington, NCSM President
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Will We See You There?
Taking place in Chicago from September 23-25, 2024, our conference invites you to focus on Breaking Barriers with Bold Mathematics Leadership. With keynotes by from Denise Forte (CEO at The Education Trust) and Brian Butler (author of Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education), major sessions from BOLD mathematics education leaders, and myriad ways to connect with each other, we know you don't want to miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and find inspiration!
Early bird pricing ends July 15! Don't miss out on the best deal to attend.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Our conference is fast approaching, and we need your help to make it a success!
Volunteering is a great vehicle to network with hundreds of math ed leaders from across North America. It's easy to get involved!
Help us during the conference while getting to know many of our speakers and attendees. The dates for volunteering are September 22-25, 2024, and we've got volunteer opportunities in a variety of ways, including registration and check-in, ticket taking, serving at the NCSM table, and more.
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Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership
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Essential Actions Book Series
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Of Interest to Our Members
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NCSM...Where Mathematics Leaders
Go To Learn
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mathematics teaching and learning every day for each and every learner.
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