In this paper, prepared for a European conference on mathematics education in the 1980's, the author discusses the relationships among the mathematician, the teacher, and society. He also addresses the problems of language in mathematics teaching and the appropriate use of physical models in the classroom. (SD)

A conference on the role of comprehensive problem solving in the secondary school curriculum made two major recommendations: (1) that a significant proportion of the curriculum be devoted to study of "real problems," and (2) that teachers be provided intellectual and physical resources for such a program. (SD)