Reasons for learning

The middle groundconcept

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34024/prometeica.2023.27.15295

Keywords:

critical mathematics education, foreground, middleground, math learning

Abstract

One way to discuss and interpret motives for learning is to consider the concepts of background, middleground and foreground. This paper is situated in the context of Critical Mathematics Education, an area in which the concepts of background and foreground were widely discussed and researched. I develop here a theoretical essay that seeks to present and discuss the third concept mentioned: the concept of middleground. The motives people have for learning can be developed in their interpretations of their past experiences and their culture (background), in their interpretations of their current social context (middleground), and in the way they perceive their social opportunities and how they see their future (foreground). To deepen the reflection produced here, an interview was carried out with three people who were involved in some learning process, not necessarily formal or institutionalized. The results present discussions that contribute towards understanding and interpreting the reasons that lead a person to learn.

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References

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Published

2023-07-27

Issue

No. 27 (2023): Prometeica - nº 27 (07/2023 - 10/2023)

Section

Articles - Dossier 1

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Copyright (c) 2023 Denival Biotto Filho

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How to Cite

Biotto Filho, D. . (2023). Reasons for learning: The middle groundconcept. Prometeica - Journal of Philosophy and Science, 27, 285-294. https://doi.org/10.34024/prometeica.2023.27.15295