Essay online: Zaslavsky’s study of mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa and multiculturalism

In fact, the study conducted by Zaslavsky may be particularly useful in the multicultural classroom environment. Today, multicultural classrooms become more and more widely-spread as people migration increases and so does the cultural diversity. However, many educators come unprepared to work in the multicultural environment. As a result, their instructions and teaching methods turn out to be absolutely ineffective in relation to students with a different cultural background.

Findings of Zaslavsky concerning mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa give insights toward understanding cultural diversity and its impact on mathematics through the study of mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa. The author draws specific examples of using original mathematic thinking, number systems and counting which reveal the diversity of mathematics, mathematical thinking and approaches to mathematics. Therefore, the author uncovers the diversity of cultural influences on mathematics and helps to understand that mathematics is not a rigid science but it is as diverse as cultures throughout the world are.

9 The revelation of the diversity and depth of mathematic in Sub-Saharan Africa by Zaslavsky

In such a way, the author shows the diversity and depth of mathematic knowledge and thinking in Sub-Saharan Africa. The local population has developed its own original mathematical thinking and skills which are very pragmatic and practical. Moreover, the author shows that some issues, such as games involving mathematical patterns may be borrowed and applied to education in western schools (Asher, 2009). The author is free of mathematical superiority over the local population. Instead, she persuades the audience that the local population is proficient in mathematics in their way.

10 Conclusion

Thus, the contribution of the author to better understanding of mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa and cultural specificities of studying mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa can hardly be underestimated. She gives insights into the original culture and mathematical thinking of the local population. She debunks myths and destroys biases and stereotypes that have been deep-rooted in the consciousness of westerners concerning mathematics in Sub-Saharan Africa.