ICME-3 Indigenous Knowledge Panel
Towards greater status of local knowledge & language in learning
Salanieta Bakalevu
University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji.
USP Region
Fijian Mathematics Ideas1. Counting System2. Measurement3. Traditional economy & exchange4. Adaptations to the cash economy5. Kinship6. Navigation7. Design & patterns
Ideas are part of content for Fijian as a subject, and Culture as extra-curricular activity. Challenge is to use the maths ideas embedded in their processes
Fijian artifact
Geometry: Fijian Bure
Fijian artifact
Carving at Oceania Centre, USP
Fijian artifact
Geometry: Lali & Tanoa
Geometrical Ideas: mat & tapa designs
Concrete Settings
Estimation is common Fijian Counting System (in 10s) is similar to a
base 10 system
4. Body parts measures
5. Local trading systems of “dinau”; “kerekere” move to and fro on lower positive & negative ends of number line
6. Fijian maths register is lacking
Positive developments
1. Dept of Culture & Heritage: conserve, develop & promote indigenous identity & cultural heritage;
2. Language policy: Intention to promote greater literacy status to Fijian language;
3. Fijian language & culture studies in schools: Draft framework & content, to Form 7;
3. Fijian Language Commission: newly established4. Teacher Education: Vernacular Studies gaining
popularity; more projects in Maths Ed.5. Research: Pacific islands is focus at USP;6. Glossary of Fijian mathematical terms is current project
Future
The Yap fishermen will get there yet!
Vinaka