Ethnomathematics: culture exploration and the improvement of mathematical teaching process

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating ethnomathematics in relation to exploring culture and improving thinking process in mathematics. This is a systematic literature review study conducted by identifying, investigating, evaluating, and interpreting the available research in the field. The review was conducted by summarizing, reviewing, and analyzing 15 articles in the field of ethnomathematics which were published in reputable journals. The articles were searched using online database including Google Scholar, SINTA, and Scopus. The study found that the development of ethnomathematics studies has not only increased the curiosity of various cultures, but also conserve the nearly lost cultures during the modernization era. Furthermore, the invention of mathematical concepts related to ethnomathematics has been resulted in the increase of problem solving skills and mathematical thinking process among students.