Page 422 - Cultural Studies of Science Education

33 “What Is Ours and What Is Not Ours?” 397

Deconstructing Foundationalism: Proposing a Healthy Scepticism
for Inclusive Mathematics Teacher Education
“Being There: Follow the Foundation of Mathematics Education!” –
Encountering a Hard Fence on the Way
It can be any day in the month of April 2005. I am about to make a phone call
to Dr. Authority about possibilities of sending my proposal to him and receiving
his review comments on it. After spending nearly 10–15 min, I finally find Dr.
Authority’s number and dial it: 4xxxxxx.
“Hello”
“May I speak to Dr. Authority?”
“May I know your name?”
“I am Bal Chandra, from the U of Himalaya”
“Hang on a minute. Dr. Authority is coming.”
“Who am I taking with?”
“Namaste Dr. Authority! This is Bal Chandra from the University of Himalaya.
We are developing a 2-year mathematics teacher education program. And, I am
seeking your help in this regard.”
“Well, I cannot commit myself as a tutor as your department outsources many
part-time academic staff members. I am too old to do that. What specifically do you
want from me?”
“At this stage could you please read my proposal for the program and provide
us with your critical suggestions within a week?”
“Well. How thick is the document? If it is 15 to 20 pages I can provide you with
comments and suggestions within a week.”
“Yes Dr. Authority, it’s a 13-page slim document, and I will send someone to
your place today.”
“Ok. That is a good idea.”
“Thank you. Namaste.”
“...”
I read the proposal three times to check if there are any typos and grammatical
errors. It has taken a precious three mornings to make sure that the document is in
order. I give one hard copy to our mailperson to send to Dr. Authority’s residence. I
call Dr. Authority that evening to make sure that the document reached his place.
A week has passed since Dr. Authority received the document. I call him again
to make sure that I am receiving his feedback in the stipulated time.
“4xxxxxx”
“Hello. Who is speaking?”
“Namaste Sir! This is Bal Chandra again. Have you finished reading my
proposal?”
“Thankfully, I finished yesterday evening. I could not read during the daytime of
this and last week as I was attending various cultural programs organised by family
and friends. The life of a retiree! Another problem is that I cannot read for more than
half an hour in one sitting. By the way, are you ready to hear my comments?”
“Well, yes. But let me call you from another room. The noise here is appalling.”