for the learning of mathematics

an international journal of mathematics education

Petra Svensson ,  Tamsin Meaney ,  Eva Norén - Vol. 34 Num. 3 (2014)
 Immigrant students’ perceptions of their possibilities to learn mathematics: the case of homework

32-37
 ABSTRACT:

In Sweden often immigrant students’ failure in mathematics is explained by referring to deficit discourses. To critique that our aim have been to highlight the complexity of the situation in which immigrant students are positioned, by interrogating their perspectives on mathematics homework and the importance of parental support, as well as how their views seemed to have been shaped by wider Discourses. The students describe their parents’ background and education as inadequate, while “Swedish” parents’ backgrounds were considered desirable. With no hope of changing their parents, they seemed to have accepted that they have limited possibilities for achieving in mathematics.