Objects in a likely class: tracing the relationships between humans and non-humans in mathematics education practices

Abstract:

We investigate how actor-network theory can make a significant theoretical and methodological contribution to mathematics education research. Based on Bruno Latour's conceptual contributions, we contend that this sociological approach is useful for studying the relationship between human and non-human associations because it allows us to see objects as dynamic actors in mathematics education practices. We examine a hypothetical mathematics class to demonstrate the application of four concepts: agency, mediator and intermediary actions, sociotechnical networks, and characterization. Our goal is to help spread the theoretical perspective among scientific mathematics educators.

Keywords:
Mathematics education; Scientific research; Actor-network theory