STEM lecture looks at the language of numbers

Rote memorization, mind-numbing drills and constant testing are reasons mathematics gets a bad name, according to Daniel Orey, Sacramento State professor of multicultural and mathematics education.

He’ll explain how mathematics is fun and entertaining at the next Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lecture 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, in the University Union’s Redwood Room.
           
The connection between in-school mathematics and the outside world is weak at best for many people, according to Orey. “Children playing soccer, working at home with their parents or even mastering a video game are not only engaged in everyday life, but are experiencing mathematical success.” 

Orey is an expert on ethnomathematics, an area of mathematics that uses aspects of mathematical modeling to study the relationship between mathematics and culture.

“I have long been interested in how we can incorporate diverse mathematical practices and how they contribute toward the learning and celebration of our unique cultural differences.”