RESEARCH FROM A SOCIO-POLITICAL APPROACH TO MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN COLOMBIA An initial approximation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to the dissertations developed in the Colombian context that address, in their frames of reference, issues related to the sociopolitical approach to mathematics education, with the idea of identifying where the community has gone in this type of academic exercises. To this end, 61 dissertations developed in the period 2011-2021 were taken into account, in three Colombian universities with recognition for the development of academic and research work on the study of the socio-political approach. Methodologically, the review of the dissertations was carried out taking into account the phases proposed by Valero and Planas (2016). The preliminary review made it possible to identify seven categories: i) setting up learning scenarios from Critical Mathematics Education (CME); ii) tensions and obstacles experienced by teachers when developing pedagogical practices; iii) evaluation processes from social practices based on CME; iv) study of diverse theoretical issues from CME; v) mathematical modelling environments from socio-critical perspectives; vi) issues on Ethnomathematics and the decolonial turn; and vii) documentary reviews. Circumstances that allow us to recognise research approaches from socio-political approaches that are being developed in the dissertations. Identifying reflections on pedagogical practices from the setting up of learning scenarios or mathematical modelling environments; theoretical reflections on critical thinking, training in democratic values; the relationship between the micro and macro context in mathematics classes; recognition and study of the tensions experienced by teachers when they decide to leave their comfort zone. Although elements are recognized from socio-political approaches that have not yet been explored, related, for example, to issues of race, identity, gender issues and social justice, among others; it is important to highlight the work that has been carried out in different Colombian universities in the search to delve into research that links mathematics with social, economic, political and cultural issues from a collaborative work between school and university.