RUME 27
2025
Alexandria, Virginia
“These Topics are Off the Table”: Shifting Discourse Toward Critical Transformations in Mathematics Departments
Page: 465
Many undergraduate mathematics departments are seeking to improve equity in their programs; however, they may struggle to translate these goals for equity into action. In this study, we used Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) theory to investigate the evolution of a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) focused on improving equity within their mathematics department, highlighting ways that NIC discourse evolved to support more critical, action- oriented activity. By examining field notes of meetings, documentation (e.g., agendas), interviews, and journal entries from NIC members, we identified key components of the NIC activity system. Our analysis revealed ways that NIC leaders mediated tensions between their object (goals) and implicit discourse norms governing NIC conversations. Specifically, we found that to make progress toward their goals, NIC leaders needed to establish an explicit rule to take certain topics “off the table” in NIC meetings. This rule facilitated discourse that was more action-focused than previously observed.