Stemiverse 0059 – Dr. Chris Matthews on teaching mathematics through dance & story

In this episode, Dr. Peter Dalmaris talks with Dr. Chris Matthews.
Dr. Chris Matthews, a Noonuccal man, is passionate about connecting culture and mathematics, having developed a method of teaching maths to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through dance and story.
He teaches students to bring maths to life by crafting stories in which characters take actions that add, subtract, or divide.
As Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA), Dr. Matthews also organizes camps and conferences designed to promote Indigenous participation in STEM and to support mathematics outcomes for Indigenous students.
Dr. Matthews highlights the importance of engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in mathematics to ensure they are prepared for life beyond school. “Maths is one of those subjects that is a gatekeeper to jobs, it gives access to other opportunities in life, and it’s important for every student,” said Dr. Matthews.
This is Stemiverse Podcast episode 59.
Stemiverse podcast is brought to you by Tech Explorations, a leading provider of educational resources for Makers, STEM students, and teachers. Go to techexplorations.com to see a complete list of our books and courses covering the Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and electronics.
Show Notes
[0:00:00] Introduction – Introducing Dr. Chris Matthews
[0:01:54] Chris talks about being a Noonuccal man from Minjerribah, a teacher of Mathematics and Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA)
[0:04:55] Chris talks about his background and how his experiences brought him to where he is now
[0:11:38] Learning to program in the 80s before the internet
[0:14:20] When did Chris realize that mathematics was the right career path for him and that he would become a teacher?
[0:20:00] The definition of Applied Mathematics
[0:26:21] Chris’s current work as a consultant and Chair of ATSIMA
[0:27:47] ATSIMA STEM and STEAM Camps
[0:29:13] The issue of cultural disconnection of the Indigenous children in Australia
[0:31:18] Methods of reinforcing the cultural identity of the Indigenous students and connecting it with the teaching of mathematics
[0:35:09] Children’s response to the ATSIMA approach and the elements of its success
[0:40:02] Dr. Matthews’ theoretical model for maths instruction: The Goompi Model
[0:44:24] The Growing Patterns Methodology: Miller, J. (2015). Young Indigenous Students’ Engagement with Growing Pattern Tasks: A Semiotic Perspective. Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia.
[0:47:41] Resources
[0:48:35] Are mathematics more important than ever in our current times of technological advancement?
[0:52:46] The importance of the practical as well as the creative aspects of mathematics – Garma Maths
[0:57:19] Aboriginal mathematics & philosophy
[1:02:38] Chris’s advice to a teacher just starting out
[1:05:19] Australian Indigenous Astronomy
[1:06:25] Parting thoughts – ATSIMA website, Facebook, Twitter
[1:08:30] Chris’s Contact Information: Email, LinkedIn, Twitter
ATSIMA 2020 Conference:
The Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) together with the Yirrkala School NT, are pleased to announce the fourth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) Conference, 27-30 July 2020 in Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land, NT, this will be the first mathematics education conference held in a Yolŋu Community.
ATSIMA’s previous conferences established the need to have a Revolution in mathematics education to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. The theme for ATSIMA 2020 Nhe Waŋana Nhe Djämamirriyaŋa Speak It You Create It furthers the idea of a revolution in education. Nhe Waŋana – Speak it, refers to the importance of valuing all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in education. Nhe Djämamirriyaŋana – You create it