I hope that I am not repeating an earlier review since I am new on this
list. I received a flyer from Rutgers University Press, offering Claudia
Zaslavsky's "Fear of Math" at a sale price. I wanted to comment because
I believe Zaslavsky's book makes a significant and unique contribution
to mathematics education.
The Mathematics Teacher, journal of the North American NCTM, said of the
book, "What Zaslavsky does for mathematics is to remove the clandestine
and reproachful stigma the public has generally had for the subject. Her
easy, conversational style underscores the theme." ... The Science Teacher
said, "Should be required reading for every elementary school teacher or
pre-service teacher." But I believe more needs to be said.
In fact the book makes a strong, well-documented statement on the subject
of equity and outlines some important steps for the elimination of inequity
in mathematics education. In my opinion, inequity and racism are the root
causes of much of "the fear of math."
Here is the list of chapters.
Chapter One: Who's Afraid of Math?
Chapter Two: Who Needs Math? Everybody!
Chapter Three: Myths of Innate Inferiority
Chapter Four: "A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste!" Gender, Race,
Ethnicity, and Class
Chapter Five: Our Schools Are Found Wanting
Chapter Six: School Math Is Not Necessarily Real Math
Chapter Seven: Everybody Can Do Math: - Solving the Problem
Chapter Eight: Families, the First Teachers
Chapter Nine: Mathematics of the People, by the People, for the People
Resources
Claudia Zaslavsky. 1994. "Fear of Math - How to get over it and get on with
your Life." Rutgers University Press, 800-446-9323, fax 888-471-9014
Beatrice Lumpkin
7123 S. Crandon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60649
Beallumpkin@aol.com