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