The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education is offering a new year-long Ethnomathematics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Institute. With the addition of advanced-level mathematics and STEM-related studies, the institute is an expansion of the Ethnomathematics Summer Institute led by Associate Professor Linda Furuto for the past five years. Applications are being accepted now.
Furuto recently joined the Department of Curriculum Studies after serving as associate professor of mathematics at UH West Oʻahu. There, she gained recognition for her Ethnomathematics Summer Institute, which has been featured in numerous print, radio and television media. This month, she was awarded an Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA Title II) grant through the U.S. Department of Education.
“Dr. Furuto brings a fresh perspective to our college in teaching mathematics and preparing mathematics educators,” said College of Education Dean Donald Young. “She exudes excitement and a passion for mathematics that helps us discover mathematics all around us and provides insight into how we can prepare educators with a true sense of place.”
Defined by Brazilian mathematician Ubiratan D’Ambrosio as the intersection of culture, historical traditions, sociocultural roots and mathematics, ethnomathematics encourages the investigation and adaptation of these concepts within and outside of the classroom. Furuto explained that the goal is to acknowledge cultural systems and frameworks that have existed since the beginning of time and to help teachers discover new pathways that foster student engagement through developing and supporting a high-quality teaching force. A strong proponent of finding relevance in real world applications, Furuto builds experiential and service learning into each field study.
Through an orientation, a series of professional development workshops and a summer institute, participants engage in place-based learning at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology’s Coconut Island, the Mokauea Island Fishing Village and Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Participants will also sail around the Hawaiian Islands with the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Read the UH Mānoa College of Education news release for more.
More on the Ethnomathematics and STEM Institute
Applicants for the Ethnomathematics and STEM Institute must attend one mandatory pre-institute workshop in person (online for neighbor island applicants) on October 21, 22 or 23, 2013 at the UH Mānoa College of Education.
The program is free by competitive application. Airfare and lodging are included for neighbor island participants, and priority is given to K–12 public, public charter and private school STEM educators and those in the UH system.
Upon completion of the institute, all participants become institute scholars and educators receive professional development credit or a stipend.
