Mathematics teaching and values education—an intersection in need of research

This paper raises issues concerning the teaching of values in the context of mathematics education. It argues that a focus on education for democracy inevitably involves educating about values. It reviews the major relevant research and theoretical perspectives and argues for more research attention to be paid to this area. Although there has been relevant research done in the affective domain, both in general and in relation to mathematics, and in social and cultural issues, there is little direct research focus on either values or valuing. Teachers are rarely aware of teaching values either explicitly or implicitly, yet values teaching clearly does take place, mostly implicitly. If there are desires to change the directions of mathematics teaching to be more attuned to life in modern democratic societies then this aspect of mathematics education needs to be better understood in order that it can be better taught.     

Appropriate use of a CAS in the teaching and learning of mathematics

If the use of a computer algebra system (CAS) is to be meaningful and have an impact on students, then it must be grounded in good pedagogy and have some clearly defined goals. It is the authors' belief that an important goal for teaching mathematics with the CAS is that courses be designed so that students can become active participants in their learning experience, planning the problem-solving strategies and carrying them out. The CAS becomes an important tool and a partner in this learning process. To this end, here the authors' have linked the use of the CAS to an existing classification scheme for Mathematical Tasks, called the MATH Taxonomy, and illustrated, through concrete examples, how the goals of teaching and learning of mathematics can be set using this classification together with the CAS.     

The ostensive dimension through the lenses of two didactic approaches

The paper presents how two different theories—the APC-space and the ATD—can frame in a complementary way the semiotic (or ostensive) dimension of mathematical activity in the way they approach teaching and learning phenomena. The two perspectives coincide in the same subject: the importance given to ostensive objects (gestures, discourses, written symbols, etc.) not only as signs but also as essential tools of mathematical practices. On the one hand, APC-space starts from a general semiotic analysis in terms of “semiotic bundles” that is to be integrated into a more specific epistemological analysis of mathematical activity. On the other hand, ATD proposes a general model of mathematical knowledge and practice in terms of “praxeologies” that has to include a more specific analysis of the role of ostensive objects in the development of mathematical activities in the classroom. The articulation of both theoretical perspectives is proposed as a contribution to the development of suitable frames for Networking Theories in mathematics education.     

On Picard's iteration method to solve differential equations and a pedagogical space for otherness

Recently, Robin claimed to introduce clever innovations (‘wrinkles’) into the mathematics education literature concerning the solutions, and methods of solution, to differential equations. In particular, Robin formulated an iterative scheme in the form of a single integral representation. These ideas were applied to a range of examples involving differential equations. In this article, we respond to Robin's work by subjecting these claims, methods and applications to closer scrutiny. By outlining the historical development of Picard's iterative method for differential equations and drawing on relevant literature, we show that the iterative scheme of Robin has been known for some time. We introduce the need for a ‘space for otherness’ in mathematics education, by drawing on Foucault and posit alternative pedagogical approaches as heterotopias. We open a space for otherness and make it concrete by considering alternative perspectives to Robin's work. On a practical note, we see the importance of history and theory to be part of the pedagogical conversation when teaching and learning iterative methods; and provide a set of Maple code with which students and teachers can experiment, explore and learn. We also advocate more broadly for educators to open a space for otherness in their own pedagogical practice.     

The role of prediction in the teaching and learning of mathematics

The prevalence of prediction in grade-level expectations in mathematics curriculum standards signifies the importance of the role prediction plays in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this article, we discuss benefits of using prediction in mathematics classrooms: (1) students’ prediction can reveal their conceptions, (2) prediction plays an important role in reasoning and (3) prediction fosters mathematical learning. To support research on prediction in the context of mathematics education, we present three perspectives on prediction: (1) prediction as a mental act highlights the cognitive aspect and the conceptual basis of one's prediction, (2) prediction as a mathematical activity highlights the spectrum of prediction tasks that are common in mathematics curricula and (3) prediction as a socio-epistemological practice highlights the construction of mathematical knowledge in classrooms. Each perspective supports the claim that prediction when used effectively can foster mathematical learning. Considerations for supporting the use of prediction in mathematics classrooms are offered.     

Issues and Challenges for Middle School Mathematics Teachers in Inclusion Classrooms

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate typical middle school general education mathematics teachers' beliefs and knowledge of students with learning disabilities and inclusive instruction and to gain an understanding of the process of inclusion as it is implemented in middle school classrooms. In‐depth interviews, surveys, and classroom observations were conducted with seven teachers. The constant comparative method was used to analyze all interview and observation data. The findings reveal that even teachers who believe that inclusion is being successfully implemented are unclear about their responsibilities towards included students and the learning characteristics and specific mathematics teaching approaches that would be effective. The general educators feel that they were grossly under‐prepared during preservice and inservice for the realities of inclusion teaching. The study provides insights that can be used to enhance preservice and inservice programs for teachers and underscores the necessity for building teamwork and collaboration among general and special education middle school teachers.     

Pre- and in-service teachers’ perceived value of an experimental real analysis course for teachers

Prospective secondary mathematics teachers are usually required to complete several university advanced mathematics courses before being certified to teach secondary mathematics. However, teachers usually do not find these courses to be valuable for their teaching. We designed an experimental real analysis course with the goal of making real analysis content useful and relevant to teaching. Our approach was to ground the real analysis content in pedagogical situations that problematized a secondary mathematics topic, where the nuances of teaching secondary mathematics could be informed by the real analysis that was covered. The experimental course was implemented in a graduate teacher education programme with 32 pre- and in-service teachers (PISTs). After the course, we conducted focus group interviews with 20 of these PISTs to get feedback on how the course was valuable to their teaching practice. Many PISTs found the course to be valuable for teaching secondary mathematics, as well as for their understanding of secondary mathematics and real analysis.     

Influences of CAS and GC in early algebra

In the last years, several studies have investigated the role of technology in teaching and learning mathematics. However, the specific role of computer algebra systems (CAS) in early algebra in contrast to graphic calculators (GC) is still unclear. The CAYEN project is researching this field by comparing 13-year-old pupils—one GC class and two CAS classes have been observed while acquiring elementary algebraic competences with nearly the same teaching sequence. The field of algebraic competences is split into syntactic abilities and symbol sense. The results of this explorative case study show that the development of symbol sense is influenced by the adoption of CAS in the learning process. Especially when transitioning from arithmetic to algebra, the pupils’ views of algebra as well as their conceptions of algebraic objects seem to be affected by the availability of CAS.     

What students value in effective mathematics learning: a ‘Third Wave Project’ research study

Considerations of how mathematics can be effectively taught and learnt may be cognitive, affective or sociocultural in approach. ??What students value in effective mathematics learning?? is a research study of the Third Wave Project, an international consortium of research teams adopting a sociocultural approach to investigate the harnessing of relevant values to optimise school mathematics teaching and learning. This paper seeks to contextualise the study, as part of the study examines what the high-achieving East Asian mathematics students value. The study is framed by knowledge relating to the relative cultural influence on effectiveness in mathematics learning, Alan Bishop??s values in mathematics education and the role of interactions in education, in particular David Tripp??s idea of critical incidents as reflecting professional judgement (and, thus, underlying values). Features of the innovative qualitative research design are also presented, which include the facilitation of photo-voice, the argument for an international collaborative team and focus group interviews for all values research, and a two-stage data analysis process aimed at clarifying both etic and emic perspectives.     

On the process of gaining language as a resource in mathematics education

In this paper, we expand our prior work on mathematics education in contexts of language diversity by elaborating on the three perspectives on language described by Ruiz (NABE J 8(2):15–34, 1984): language-as-right, language-as-resource, and language-as-problem. We illustrate our arguments with data taken from research contexts in Catalonia-Spain and South Africa. In these two parts of the world, the language policy in education has long been an issue, with a monolingual orientation that values one language (i.e., Catalan in Catalonia and English in South Africa) over others. Throughout the introduction of specific examples of policy documents, classroom practices, and participants’ reports, our main point is that the right of using the students’ languages makes sense because it is itself more than an intrinsic human right; it is an option that potentially benefits the creation of mathematics learning opportunities. Especially for the instances of classroom practices, our examples can be considered as representative in that they point to a common situation in our data: despite the fact of the language of learning and teaching being fixed, there is room for the learners and the teacher to take or react to a decision on what language to use, with whom, and how in concrete moments of the interaction. However, on the basis of our studies and drawing on the literature in mathematics education and language diversity, we argue that language rights are not sufficiently connected to language as a pedagogical resource. The enactment of these rights is still contributing in many ways to the social and political construction of problems concerning the role of certain languages in classroom interaction. We conclude the paper by discussing some possibilities for framing language as a resource that provide effective support to all students’ learning of mathematics.     

Teaching values and valued teaching in the mathematics classroom: toward a research agenda

In this paper, we first discuss the teaching of values by focusing on the kinds of values that have been discussed and studied in the other papers in this special journal issue and elsewhere. Then we raise a number of issues about the product-based values in mathematics education, which we identify as teaching values and which can be realized through classroom instruction. In the second section, we discuss the process-based valued teaching methods used to maximize the realization of the teaching values in the classroom. As valued teaching may be perceived differently by different people, in the discussion we analyze how it is seen from both students?? and teachers?? perspectives. We end this paper by discussing a number of methodological issues in studying teaching values and valued teaching as well as offering suggestions for future research.     

The stories we tell: Why unpacking narratives of mathematics is important for teacher conocimiento

This article articulates how mathematics (e.g., what they are, how they can be used, who they are by and for, who is able to do and understand them) are a social construct, just like racial or gender identities are social constructs. The authors describe how Political Conocimiento in Teaching Mathematics–a relational knowing that involves the entanglement of mathematics, pedagogies, students, and politics–can be used as a lens to reveal narratives about mathematics re(told) through stories (e.g., “Mathematics is culture-free, objective, and universal”). Drawing on their work with teachers, the authors offer an example scenario/activity and a teacher discussion that unpacks where mathematical stories are being told, from a dominant perspective, as well as how focusing on healthier narratives can help teachers work toward liberatory futures. Implications for teaching, teacher education, and future research are described.     

On examples in mathematical thinking and learning

The importance of examples and exemplification in mathematical thinking, learning and teaching, is well recognized by mathematicians, epistemologists and mathematics educators. In the collection of papers on these topics presented in this issue, we aim to contribute to the debate on this theme, proposing original studies carried out from different approaches and perspectives, and linked to other relevant topics within mathematics education.     

数学建模融入经济数学教学中的案例及分析

经济数学是财经类专业的重要基础课程,在经济数学教学中讲授数学的基本概念和定理的同时,怎样引入数学模型进行教学,培养和激发学生学习数学的兴趣,是我们从事经济数学教学的教师都应该探讨的问题.本文结合经济数学教学的实践,介绍了经济数学教学中的几个经典经济模型案例,将数学与经济学有机地联系起来,让数学变得既生动又符合实际,取得了很好的教学效果.     

The Influences of Three Interventions on Prospective Elementary Teachers' Beliefs About the Knowledge Base Needed for Teaching Mathematics

To meet the challenge to reform mathematics education, effective opportunities to learn are needed to promote prospective elementary school teachers' development of the knowledge base that supports teaching for mathematical proficiency. This article describes three professional development interventions and their influence on prospective teachers' beliefs about mathematics, how children learn mathematics, and mathematics teaching. The three interventions consisted of problem‐solving journals, structured interviews, and peer teaching that were integrated in a PreK‐6 mathematics methods course. Results of precourse and postcourse survey data are included that measured 24 prospective teachers' beliefs about the knowledge base needed to teach elementary school mathematics. Data indicated that using these interventions and other course experiences facilitated change in the prospective teachers' beliefs, with a shift toward reform‐oriented mathematics education perspectives.     

Attribution in Mathematics: A Review of Literature

This review of literature covers attribution studies in mathematics from 1974 through 2008. Thus far, mathematics education research in this area has been rather limited over the past few years. Attribution is discussed as it is defined by researchers, as being internal or external and its relation to mathematics achievement. In order for teachers to understand why or what is causing a student to fall behind academically, it is important that they start with attribution and whether or not it is being related to an internal or external factor. Therefore, it is imperative that new studies examine in more detail attribution from a teacher perspective and how this may impact the teaching and learning within their own classroom. This direction of the research could prove to be even more useful for preservice teachers as they begin their journey of teaching and dealing with student success and failure.