Final Reflection

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This course has opened my eyes to a new way of studying mathematics! I used to think of math as just a bunch of formulas and theorems, but throughout this semester, I've come to appreciate the incredible history behind each concept. Learning about the math journey—from Babylonia and Ancient Egypt to the Maya and from Ancient Greece to China, Japan, India, and medieval Islamic mathematics—has been such a rich experience!

One of the most exciting ideas I've discovered is "decolonization." In the past, whenever I learned about the history of math, it always started with European scientists, which made contributions from other cultures seem small. However, in this course, studying Chinese mathematics made me feel connected to my heritage. When we explored "The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" and ancient measurement methods, I was thrilled to find that my classmates also resonated with these topics. It felt amazing to see my culture recognized and celebrated.

I also gained a deeper appreciation for the stories behind the math formulas we often take for granted. For example, I used to think the Pythagorean theorem was only connected to Chinese math, but I learned that similar concepts existed in other cultures, too. This realization helped me understand that these theorems are not just tools for calculations; they are part of a shared wisdom that spans time and cultures. Plus, learning about the history of algebra—from its beginnings in India to its development in medieval Islamic mathematics and its refinement in Europe—gave me a whole new perspective on how math evolves. Suddenly, those “cold” formulas became lively narratives filled with meaning!

The atmosphere in this class has been unique. We often shared ideas and discussed our thoughts, and it felt like everyone was genuinely engaged. There wasn't any pressure—just a wonderful sense of joy in exploring together. Every conversation with my classmates taught me something new. Their enthusiasm for mathematics from different cultures made me feel like this course was about much more than just gaining knowledge; it was about understanding the world and each other.

This experience has been significant for me. It has deepened my understanding of how mathematics has developed and encouraged me to reflect on my culture's role in that history. This course has taught me the importance of appreciating the diversity in mathematics and being open and respectful towards different cultures. I'm excited to bring these insights into my teaching and hope to inspire my students to appreciate the richness and beauty of mathematics, too!

Comments

  1. Susan GerofskyJanuary 5, 2025 at 7:20 PM

    Nanxi, thank you so much for this beautiful writing and inspiring reflections! I'm glad that you're taking so many good things with you from this course, and it's been delightful having you in the class, with all your great contributions. See you soon!

    ReplyDelete

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