Document Type

Article

Article Version

Publisher's PDF

Publication Date

5-6-2018

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.

Comments

© Copyright 2018 by the Program in Mathematics and Education

Publication Title

Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College

Published Citation

Barba, K. M. (2018). The portrayal of mathematicians and mathematics in popular culture. Journal of Mathematics Education at Teachers College, 9(1), 9-14. https://doi.org/10.7916/jmetc.v9i1.599

DOI

10.7916/jmetc.v9i1.599

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