Sociocultural perspectives on the internationalization of research in mathematics education: A survey based on JRME, ESM, and MTL

Abstract

The current main research trend in mathematics education is publishing studies by Western scholars pertaining to educational issues of the world in general. but Asia is mostly overlooked. Since international comparisons show Asian students outperform others in mathematics, the imbalance should receive more attention. To gain insight into this disparity, this study surveys all theoretical and empirical articles published by Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (JRME), Educational Studies in Mathematics (ESM), and Mathematical Thinking and Learning (MTL) from 2000 to 2012. Issues regarding westernization vs. internationalization of mathematics education and how to build a self-identity in research in mathematics education are addressed. A sociocultural framework for conducting and publishing educational research in mathematics is needed to develop multicultural perspectives.