Ethnomathematics: Formal Mathematics Milestones for Primary Education

Abstract

Ethnomatematics is a study of the different ways in which people solve mathematical problems and practical algorithms based on their perspectives. This study refers to various forms of mathematics as consequences which are embedded in cultural activities. Meanwhile, culture-based mathematics learning is one way that is perceived to make meaningful and contextual mathematical learning highly related to the cultural community and will be applied later in harmony with that community, as well as interesting and enjoyable learning. If this is done habituation from an early age will build the character of students. The researcher proposes possibilities for ethnomatematics to enggage the curriculum and have a relatively similar role in formal mathematics, namely; (1) substitute for school mathematics; (2) supply for school mathematics; (3) milestones into school mathematics: (4) motivation for school mathematics and (5) as a local content of school mathematics and scheme to develop student's character.