Sept 7/17: Exit Slip: The Ambiguious Value of Knowledge and Information

Summarize the debate/experience. Was there anything in this debate which surprised you or moved you?

                     A highly biased statement was said by a renowned mathematician, Raffaella Borasi which promoted that, "Informal mathematics is just a frill." Despite a highly controversial claim, controversial statements like this allows for more complex and in-depth conversations. From a holistic approach of mathematics of which I took, I quickly realized that not only was I biased -- but everyone other colleague had a personal bias as well. Based on the liberal favouritism to reject Borasi's claim, five collectively pinnacle ideas challenged the frill of informal mathematics: (1) interconnectedness of mathematical applications and equations, (2) retention of information, (3) perspectives of learning, (4) theoretical work is the fundamental basis of the mathematical application, and (5) challenges problem solving and critical thinking abilities.

                     Despite the majority of intraconnected group members agreeing on these ideologies, there were a few that defended Raffaella Borasi's statement -- where efficiency of knowledge prioritizes over theoretical gain. Classmates adjacent to me stated, "How can we learn everything when we don't have the time to understand the material?" and that, "How can I learn the material, if I don't care for it?" These provoking rebuttals challenged my -- or shall I say, majority of our holistic views. Yet, were they truly right? Is it more important to learn  about relevant applications or theoretical ideas? Was I wrong; was I right (like other colleagues)? Undoubtedly, this dissonance has yet to be resolved. However, nevertheless of conflicting beliefs, critical and provoking supports ideas were given by each member within the discussion. I soon realized that despite the overarching theme of mathematical ideology, fundamentally, this was debate of the value of knowledge and information; are some knowledge disposable while others are absolute? The ramifications of this debate may be discussed on a later blog!

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M.Y.