Every so often, I’ll publicize through this blog an interesting article that I’ve found in the mathematics or mathematics education literature that can be freely distributed to the general public. Today, I’d like to highlight “Weaving History Through the Major,” by Betty Mayfield. Here’s the abstract:
The benefits of including the study of the history of mathematics in the education of mathematics majors have been discussed at length elsewhere. Many colleges and universities now offer a History of Mathematics course for mathematics majors, for mathematics education majors, or for general credit. At Hood College, we emphasize our commitment to the liberal arts by including history in many courses. We use various methods to weave the history of mathematics through all the courses in the major, culminating in our senior seminar. Other institutions looking for innovative ways to include history in their mathematics curriculum may wish to take this approach.
The full article can be found here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10511970.2014.900158
Full reference: Betty Mayfield (2014) Weaving History Through the Major, PRIMUS: Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, 24:8,669-683, DOI:10.1080/10511970.2014.900158
Mean Green Math 