Transnational Alliances: La Clase Mágica—Nepohualtzitzin Ethnomathematics Club

Abstract

This article exposes the ancient Nepohualtzitzin as an important contemporary mathematical tool. The design and development of Nepohualtzitzin Ethnomathematics Clubs (NECs) in predominantly Latina/o and low-income schools is also presented. NECs provide informal learning opportunities to develop and strengthen cultural connections to and abilities in mathematics for bicultural-bilingual learners, their parents, and teacher candidates. The formation of NECs is made possible through transnational alliances developed over time between the University of Texas at San Antonio, Secretaría de Educación Pública de México (Ministry of Public Education of Mexico), Coahuiltecan Indian Nation, Aztlán Associates, Danza Azteca Xinachtli, and Tzicatl—Community Development Corporation.

Este artículo expone el antiguo Nepohualtzitzin como herramienta matemática importante y contemporánea. También se incluye el diseño y desarrollo de clubs etnomatemáticos (NECs). Los NECs proveen oportunidades para desarrollar y fortalecer las condiciones culturales y las habilidades matemáticas para los aprendices biculturales y bilingües, sus padres, y docentes. La formación de NECs es posible debido a las alianzas transnacionales que se han desarrollado a través del tiempo entre la Universidad de Tejas en San Antonio, la Secretaria de Educación Pública de México, la Nación Indígena Coahuiltecan, los Asociados de Aztlán, la Danza Azteca Xinachtli, y Tzicatl—Corporación del Desarrollo Comunitario.

Key words:

• Nepohualtzitzin
• tekio
• Náhuatl education
• ethnomathematics
• mathematics
• La Clase Mágica

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to acknowledge University of Texas at San Antonio doctoral candidate Armando García for assistance translating from Spanish to English Lara’s contributions to this article; Academy for Teacher Excellence senior systems analyst Jorge Garza for assistance with the figures; and all of the indigenous communities who continue to preserve, protect, and teach our cultural and intellectual heritage, such as Teuctli elder Inocente Morales Baranda.