Mathematical Concepts Used by Plumber

Abstract

This is an ethnographic case study related to mathematical concepts used by plumbers. The objectives of the research were to identify the mathematical ideas/skills used by plumbers, to identify how do they acquire those mathematical ideas and to suggest the pedagogical implication of plumbing in mathematics curriculum. The respondents of the research were two plumbers of Lalitpur District who were selected purposefully. Data collection tools were Non-Participant Observation and Interview. Collected data were analyzed on the basis of general inductive approach and acquisition of mathematical knowledge with reference to social constructivism. The result showed that many conventional mathematical concepts are embedded in the work of the plumbers during the work. Plumbers need many mathematical ideas like fundamental operation of mathematics, measurement, plane, circle, cylinder, angle, parallel, perpendicular, straight line, etc. Plumbers acquired that mathematical knowledge through experience and practices, practical activities and circumstances, social interaction, observing the adult work. It is concluded that plumbers used the similar mathematical contents of formal mathematics in their own way. So I recommended that ethno-mathematical concepts used by ethnographic group should be incorporated in school mathematics curriculum, which helps effective learning in school mathematics.