Joint contributions of mathematics teacher educators and indigenous Terena teachers to revitalization of the native language

Abstract

This study may be understood as a set of ideas, experiences, and proposals about possible directions for indigenous teacher education when the purpose is revitalization of indigenous language in general and the use and valuation of indigenous language in mathematics education in particular. Taking as a point of departure the visions and needs of indigenous Terena teachers relative to native language fluency, we worked with them in one Terena village and produced effective materials for learning language and mathematics (mental calculation, measurements, spatial orientation). Our work focused on the involvement of native-language-speaking elders in early childhood education, especially indigenous language classes, bilingual schooling, and immersion in communal cultural practices.