The Public Understanding of Mathematical Modelling (PUMM)

In public discourses, we see an increasing use of mathematical modelling terminology. However, it is unclear what ‘people in the street’ understand about it. In this paper, I conceptualized the Public Understanding of Mathematical Modelling (PUMM) and carried out three case studies of how mathematical modelling was publicly portrayed (1) during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) in science museums, and (3) in a quality newspaper. Mathematical modelling was portrayed as a tool for tackling serious problems in authentic situations. Also, it was described as omnipresent in society, as human and relational (e.g. modellers work for authorities, collaborate with non-mathematical professionals to improve services or products), intentional, inaccurate, incomplete, and occasionally harmful for some. The findings yield recommendations for mathematical modelling education.