Mathematical modeling for sustainability: How can it promote sustainable learning in mathematics education?

TL;DR

This paper reviews how mathematical modeling can be integrated into sustainability education at the tertiary level, highlighting its potential to enhance sustainable learning and practical understanding of sustainability concepts.

Contribution

It addresses the gap in literature by exploring the intersection of mathematical modeling and sustainability education, and provides practical resources for teaching.

Findings

Mathematical modeling for sustainability connects teaching sustainability quantitatively with promoting sustainable learning.

A specific textbook example demonstrates how mathematical concepts related to sustainability can be effectively taught.

The review offers practical resources for integrating mathematical modeling into sustainability education.

Abstract

This article reviews the current state of teaching and learning mathematical modeling in the context of sustainable development goals for education at the tertiary level. While ample research on mathematical modeling education and published textbooks on the topic are available, there is a lack of focus on mathematical modeling for sustainability. This review aims to address this gap by exploring the powerful intersection of mathematical modeling and sustainability. Mathematical modeling for sustainability connects two distinct realms: learning about the mathematics of sustainability and promoting sustainable learning in mathematics education. The former involves teaching and learning sustainability quantitatively, while the latter encompasses pedagogy that enables learners to apply quantitative knowledge and skills to everyday life and continue learning and improving mathematically beyond formal education. To demonstrate the practical application of mathematical modeling for sustainability, we discuss a specific textbook suitable for a pilot liberal arts course. We illustrate how learners can grasp mathematical concepts related to sustainability through simple yet mathematically diverse examples, which can be further developed for teaching such a course. Indeed, by filling the gap in the literature and providing practical resources, this review contributes to the advancement of mathematical modeling education in the context of sustainability.