Abstract
Mathematicians are often inimically portrayed in popular culture, resulting in an abundance of non-mathematical identities in the classroom. Various tropes are propagated by the media that dominate our mental schemas of what makes a mathematician: the eccentric Einstein-like old man; the young, tortured genius; and the “genetically different” savant. However, these portrayals in popular culture can be used as a tool-rather than a hindrance-if teachers know how to present them properly in the classroom. Although the media often promotes mathematical myths, it can also be used to debunk them.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College |
| Volume | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - May 6 2018 |
Keywords
- mathematics
- mathematicians
- media
- popular culture
- mathematical identities
- mathematical myths
Disciplines
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics
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