Many universities throughout the world apply student-centered approaches. Common to these is that projects, problems, challenges etc. stem from "real life". Mathematics is an effective tool to solve problems, but in this paper, we discuss how we reconcile the fact that mathematics is both a pure and an applied discipline with…

In this article I discuss an investigation of handwritten mathematics manuscripts known as navigation cyphering books. These manuscripts, which were prepared during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, are evidence of an educational tradition that was the primary means by which students in North America learned mathematics between 1607 and…

The Math Wars have been raging since the 1990's in the United States, where the world of mathematics education has become polarised into two camps: the reformers and the traditionalists. In this article I explore the background to the Math Wars, with specific reference to conflicting ideologies of mathematics education. I draw parallels with…

Describes and reflects on a research journey from a theoretical perspective which sought to understand what it means in practice to "become critical". Based on a South African curriculum that reflects upon aspects of conflict and dialogue in mathematics pedagogy. (MM)

This article addresses the concept of participation in the mathematics classroom, especially as it relates to students from certain ethnic and language groups and economically disadvantaged students. The authors are primarily concerned with seeking ways to develop approaches to mathematics education that are sensitive to the contexts and lived…

Discusses conflicts between white school practices and Aboriginal values and traditions and describes the Remote Area Tertiary Education program, which is community-based and community-focused. Presents a mathematics curriculum organized around symbolic, societal, and cultural components that delivers a culturally-sensitive mathematics course. (23…

Argues for the use of multiple approaches to instruction as a way to encourage students to be active critics instead of passive recipients. Presents six classroom scenes in historical sequence that review both the mathematical story and the art of teaching. (DDR)

Argues that the investigation of the life and personality of textbook authors is one approach by which it is possible to analyze school life in the past. The French text author Lacroix is considered. (PK)

This article arises from a broader study that investigates the benefits and forms of mathematical writing and written texts produced by twelve- to thirteen-year-old students in grade seven classes in six junior high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the context of major curriculum changes within South Africa, These recent changes in…

Geometric axioms are discussed in terms of philosophy, history, refinements, and basic concepts. The triumphs and limitations of the formalism theory are included. Described is the status of high school geometry internationally. (KR)

Describes some topics of French research: relationships between teaching and learning, choices and constraints of the didactic system, role of the computer, and forms of the functioning knowledge. (YP)