Mathematical Conceptspracticed by Terai Farmers

Abstract

The major focus on this study was to explore the “Mathematical Concepts Practiced ByTerai Farmers”. The main objectives of this study were to find out the mathematical concept used by farmers in their artifact and to analyze the mathematical concept practiced by farmers with respect to socio-cultural context. The design of the study was qualitative in nature and ethnography was the approach of the study. I selected my own area Dhangadhimai-04 of Siraha district for research field. Ten farmers were the sample of this study, in which six farmers were uneducated and four farmers were literate or able to read and write. These all farmers were selected by the purposive sampling. I used the interview, observation and photographs as data collection tools and tried to find out the real field data. The collected data were analyzed with the help of Vygotskiantheory. After analysis and interpretation of data, I found arithmetic concepts and geometrical concepts which was used by farmer in their daily life activities and farming such as concepts of percentage, profit, loss, add, subtract, multiply, divide, circle, angle, square, parallel line ,perpendicular line, cone, hexagon, cylinder, curve diameter and so on. Some literate farmers used formal way of additional and subtraction but rests were using alternative ways. They used hands and fingers unit Bitta, Haat. They used Kosh to measure long distance. Farmers achieved the mathematical concepts from different ways such as; from observing their guardians and neighbors using experience and practices, reflections and interacting art and individual creativity, to consult other farmers. Also they got mathematical concepts as a farmer, as a sales man, as a learner and as a teacher.