1. When I was observing a Year 11 financial mathematics class, I saw students completing (relatively simple) textbook questions related to the total earnings of employees depending on the number of items manufactured or time worked. I couldn't help wondering whether there might be an ethical dimension by contrasting profits with wages, particularly in third world countries. The mathematics would be the same, but might such examples contribute to more ethical understanding? Forgasz et al. include similar examples. Do you have any to share?
2. The critical mathematics education literature referred to by Ernest uses the phrase "reading and writing the world with mathematics". Should social issues be addressed in mathematics class and if so, can you think of examples?
3. The only mention of ethics in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is "Meet professional ethics and responsibilities" (Standard 7.1). With realtion to students, focus area 1.1 is "Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students". Is this an omission?