Stimulating critical mathematical discussions in teacher education: use of indices such as the BMI as entry points

Authors

Suela Kacerja
Toril Eskeland Rangnes
Rune Herheim
Meinrad Pohl
Inger Elin Lilland
Ragnhild Hansen

Abstract

The main purpose of our research project is to gain insight into, and develop teaching on indices and their applications in society. In this paper, the focus is to present insights into teachers’ reflections when discussing the Body Mass Index (BMI). Skovsmose ́s concept of mathemacy, and source criticism, are chosen as conceptual framework. The data analysed were collected in a numeracy across the curriculum class with practising teachers. The findings show that the practising teachers engaged in meaning making of the index formula, and they critically discussed how BMI is used in society and the role the BMI index can have in our lives. We gain insight into the potential of such an index for developing teachers’ awareness of the application of mathematics to the real world and the issues it raises, both for the teachers and for ourselves.

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Published

2024-11-19

How to Cite

Kacerja, S., Rangnes, T. E., Herheim, R., Pohl, M., Lilland, I. E., & Hansen, R. (2024). Stimulating critical mathematical discussions in teacher education: use of indices such as the BMI as entry points. NOMAD Nordic Studies in Mathematics Education, 22(4), 43–59. Retrieved from https://tidsskrift.dk/NOMAD/article/view/148917