Reconceptualizing Financial Education in the Mathematics Pre-service Teacher Education

Abstract

The discussion about financial life in schools is often limited to personal finances. However, it is essential to broaden this discussion to address the structures of economic dependence that we currently observe. Additionally, we must consider the consequences of capital speculation, the exacerbation of social inequalities, and the environmental impacts of consumerism. Critical analysis plays a fundamental role in understanding the mechanisms of the financial system and the current economic model, which is based on anticipated consumption. This requires an active mathematical approach, as advocated by Critical Mathematical Education. Furthermore, teacher education needs to be reconsidered to include this perspective. Our goal is to redefine the concept of Financial Education and present possibilities for the classroom based on critical analysis of financial life and related purposes. Our studies and contributions are grounded in a qualitative doctoral research completed in 2021, as well as ongoing studies conducted by a research group and theoretical contributions from other researchers with whom we engage in dialogue about Financial Education.