What is mathematics education actually for?

Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question.

Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a “right” ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect critically on their own beliefs, the time and energy they spend on particular practices, and how these choices align with the needs of the students in front of them.

Tom introduces the concept of ideology in education, describing it as the often-unspoken beliefs and values that shape how mathematics is taught, how students are positioned, and how success is defined. Drawing on classroom experience and philosophical perspectives, the conversation unpacks how ideas about utility, beauty, assessment, and ability influence everyday teaching practice—often without teachers realising it.

LINKS

Tom Mahoney Blog: https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/
The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education.
https://theinterruption.substack.com/

 

Explore AAMT’s resources, events, and news:
https://aamt.edu.au/

What is mathematics education actually for?
Tom Mahoney, numeracy learning specialist, secondary mathematics educator, and PhD candidate in educational philosophy at Deakin University joins AAMT CEO Allan Dougan to explore this deceptively simple but powerful question.
Importantly, this episode is not about prescribing a &ldquo;right&rdquo; ideology. Instead, it encourages teachers to reflect critically on their own beliefs, the time and energy they spend on particular practices, and how these choices align with the needs of the students in front of them.
Tom introduces the concept of ideology in education, describing it as the often-unspoken beliefs and values that shape how mathematics is taught, how students are positioned, and how success is defined. Drawing on classroom experience and philosophical perspectives, the conversation unpacks how ideas about utility, beauty, assessment, and ability influence everyday teaching practice&mdash;often without teachers realising it.
LINKS
Tom Mahoney Blog: <a href="https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com/">https://tommahoneyedu.wordpress.com</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommahoneyedu/</a> The Interruption, a monthly blog exploring the ideological nature of education. <a href="https://theinterruption.substack.com/">https://theinterruption.substack.com/</a>
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Explore AAMT&rsquo;s resources, events, and news: <a href="https://aamt.edu.au/">https://aamt.edu.au/</a>

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.

Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!

The fascinating world of mathematics education. We explore innovative teaching pedagogies, classroom success stories, and unravel the mysteries behind those 'Aha!' moments.
Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just looking to improve your teaching skills in mathematics, this podcast brought to you by AAMT is your go-to resource for engaging, sometimes light-hearted, and informative discussions on all things maths education related!