A Critical Review in Understanding Equity and Social Justice in Mathematics Education
Dr Jayasree Subramanian, Associate Professor from the Department of Mathematics, has recently published a book chapter titled “Strengthening Equity and Social Justice Research in Mathematics Education Through Critical Interrogations of White Supremacy and Settler Colonialism” in the Fourth International Handbook of Mathematics Education by Springer Publications.
Abstract
In this chapter, we contextualise a suggested approach to strengthening equity and social justice research in mathematics education by inserting the mathematics education enterprise into two world events of 2020: the global COVID-19 pandemic and the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Our intent in doing so is to underscore how white colonialism is forever present everywhere in structures and institutions around the globe, including those of the mathematics education enterprise. The logic of both white supremacy and settler colonialism are described next and then combined into a compounding scheme of colonising white supremacist logic. To illustrate that colonizing white supremacist logic is not a manifestation of only the West, a discussion of the conflicts and contradictions of white supremacy and Brahminical supremacy in the mathematics education enterprise of postcolonial India is offered. Brief summaries of the five chapters in the “Equity and Social Justice” section of this Handbook are then provided; we highlight how the chapter authors interrogated colonialising white supremacist logic within their respective chapters and point toward additional opportunities. In concluding the chapter, we feature recent USA-based mathematics education research to illustrate different possibilities when equity and social justice research is strengthened through critical interrogations of white supremacy and settler colonialism.
About the Book
The Fourth International Handbook discusses developments not recognised or dealt with entirely in the first three Springer Mathematics Education handbooks and tackles controversial issues in the field. After starting with a provocative introductory chapter which asks whether controversy is a healthy feature of international mathematics education, the four following sections cover: (a) mathematics education in Asia; (b) the roles of theory in research and practice; (c) equity and social justice; and (d) curriculum and change. These themes are taken up in 28 chapters by 60 authoritative authors from all continents. The four sections are structured based on past, present, and future aspects.
Like the first three mathematics education handbooks, this handbook provides a valuable resource for teachers, practitioners and researchers, education policymakers, mathematicians, and graduate and undergraduate students.
Co-authors of the Book Chapter
1. David W. Stinson, College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA (Lead Coauthor)
2. Cathery Yeh, Center for Asian American Studies, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA (Fellow coauthor)
- Published in Departmental News, Math News, News, Research News
Establishing an Innovative Technology for Intelligent Management of Battery Systems
Dr Satyavir Singh, Assistant Professor from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and his PhD scholar, Mr Tasadeek Hassan Dar, have published a groundbreaking research paper titled “Advanced integration of bidirectional long short-term memory neural networks and innovative extended Kalman filter for state of charge estimation of lithium-ion battery.” The research that revolves around establishing technology for intelligent management of battery systems and their sustainability for longer life has been published in the Q1 journal, Journal of Power Sources, having an impact factor of 8.1.
Further to their research, the team will continue to work on robust techniques to BMS in the future.
Abstract
The state of charge (SoC) of a battery is a crucial monitoring indicator for battery management systems and it helps to assess how much further an electric vehicle can travel. This work proposes a novel approach for predicting battery SoC by developing a closed-loop system that integrates a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network with an innovative algorithm- extended Kalman filter. A second-order equivalent circuit model is selected, and its parameters are computed using the variational and logistic map cuckoo search approach.
Further, an Extended Kalman filter is combined with an innovation algorithm to update process noise in real-time, and a bidirectional long short-term memory neural network takes the input from the Extended Kalman filter and gives the compensated error value for the final SoC estimation. 75% of dynamic stress test data from the Extended Kalman filter is used for training purposes, remaining data sets are used for testing purposes. The addressed algorithm is validated by evaluating its performance in comparison to individual algorithms and various combined approaches. Empirical analysis demonstrates that the proposed model achieves a root mean square error of 0.11% and mean absolute error of 0.1% positioning it as a valuable tool for battery management systems.
- Published in Departmental News, EEE NEWS, News, Research News
A Blockchain-Based Peer Tutoring Platform
In a rapidly changing educational landscape, innovative solutions are key to enhancing learning experiences. Ms Naga Sravanti’s patent on A System for Implementing a Peer Tutoring Platform, introduces a blockchain-based peer tutoring platform designed to tackle challenges in traditional education.
As we explore the implementation and societal implications of this platform, its potential to democratise education and create valuable connections among learners worldwide becomes evident. Join us in examining this innovative approach and its promising future research directions.
Abstract
This research presents a blockchain-based peer tutoring platform designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of education. By utilising blockchain’s decentralized and transparent features, the system ensures secure transactions, reliable certification, and the equitable management of peer tutoring activities. The platform aims to foster trust among users by recording all interactions and achievements on an immutable ledger, addressing critical challenges like data manipulation, lack of accountability, and accessibility issues in traditional education systems.
Explanation in Layperson’s Terms
Imagine a platform where students can teach and learn from each other without worrying about unfair practices or lack of credibility. This system uses blockchain, a technology that keeps records safe and transparent so that everyone can trust it. For instance, when a student tutors someone else, the system records this in a way that no one can alter. Certificates issued for achievements are also tamper-proof, making them reliable for future use. It’s like having a digital notebook that no one can tear a page from or erase anything written in it. This platform creates a fair and secure space where students and educators can collaborate effectively.
Practical Implementation and Social Implications
The peer tutoring platform has immense potential to revolutionise education:
Equity in Education: Students from diverse backgrounds can access quality tutoring at affordable costs or through a mutual exchange of knowledge.
Trust and Credibility: Blockchain’s secure system ensures that all records of learning and certifications are genuine and cannot be tampered with.
Recognition of Effort: Tutors can build verified portfolios showcasing their expertise and contributions, which can be used for job opportunities or further education.
Global Collaboration: Learners and educators worldwide can connect, exchange knowledge, and grow together, breaking geographical barriers.
Collaborations
This research has benefited from partnerships with educational institutions, blockchain developers, and organizations promoting innovative learning methodologies. Collaborators include academic peers at SRM University-AP and technical support from blockchain technology firms specializing in educational applications.
Future Research Plans
Building on this work, the following directions will be explored:
- Gamified Learning: Introducing game-like features to make learning more engaging and interactive.
- AI-Driven Personalization: Integrating AI to recommend the best tutors and resources for individual learners based on their unique needs.
- Scalability: Expanding the platform to accommodate millions of users globally without compromising speed or security.
- Real-World Deployments: Partnering with schools, universities, and governments to implement the system on a larger scale, bringing tangible benefits to communities.
- Published in CSE NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
Sankranti Celebrations: Faculty and Staff Join for Festive Gathering
The Directorate of Human Resource Management organised Sankranti Celebration on a grand-level. The university Staff and faculty joined the festivities imbuing a sense of joy and community spirit, with shared laughter, games, and heartfelt interactions.
One of the highlights of the festivities was the colorful Rangoli Competition, where participants showcased their artistic talents, adorning the campus with vibrant and intricate designs. The excitement continued with the exhilarating Pot Breaking (Matki Phod) event, followed by Tug of War putting their strength and camaraderie to the test, while also testing their physical prowess with the Sugarcane Breaking game.
Dressing in vibrant ethnic attire, our faculty and staff brilliantly embodied the spirit of the festival, enriching the occasion with their colorful presence and warmth. As the events unfolded, prizes were awarded to the winners, while also cherishing memories of togetherness reminding all of the importance of community and camaraderie.
The celebration marked as not just a harvest of ones’ agricultural abundance but also the harvest of togetherness and camaraderie.
- Published in News