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Keiyo Cattle Raiding, Kechui Mathematics and Science Education: What do They Have in Common?

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Abstract

In the context of globalization, indigenous educational systems of endangered cultures are faced with extinction. Biologists recognize that biodiversity is dependent upon sustaining and promoting knowledge and values of indigenous cultures. Education researchers have a similar responsibility — to promulgate educational diversity before several thousand years of valuable educational knowledge is extirpated. This paper presents the Keiyo of Kenya who have a rich educational system. Its focus is on an indigenous game, Kechui (using calculations to sharpen your mind), based on cattle raiding, and the Keiyos' use of the game for learning mixed strategy-based probabilistic problem solving. Kechui may also have international potential for teaching probabilistic problem solving in contemporary mathematics and science, especially genetics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Science Education, University of Georgia, 212 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Norman Thomson

  2. Dept of Physical Education, University of Georgia, 363 Ramsey Sports Complex, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Jepkorir Rose Chepyator-Thomson

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  1. Norman Thomson
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Thomson, N., Chepyator-Thomson, J.R. Keiyo Cattle Raiding, Kechui Mathematics and Science Education: What do They Have in Common?. Interchange 33, 49–83 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016356110836

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