Information for Working Group 5
In March 2008, there will be a symposium in Rome to celebrate the centennial of the
International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI). Starting from a
historical analysis of principal themes regarding the activities of the ICMI (reforms in
the teaching of the sciences, teacher training, relations with mathematicians and with
research, and so on), discussions will focus on identifying future directions of
research in mathematics education and possible actions to be taken to improve the
level of scientific culture in various countries.
The program includes plenary sessions, invited short talks, and working groups. More
information can be found at the symposium Website:
http://www.unige.ch/math/EnsMath/Rome2008
As co-organizers, we (Gilah Leder and Luis Radford) are particularly interested in
Working Group 5:
Mathematics Education: an ICMI perspective
We invite you to contribute to this Working Group, described below.
Broad theme of WG 5
It can be argued that ICMI’s impact on the field of mathematics education is both
defined and reflected through the affiliated groups that it has recognized (and in some
cases incubated) and through the ICMI studies it has spawned. What has been gained
and lost by the mathematics education communities through the choices made? For
example, what has been the influence of psychology, philosophy, history,
ethnography, anthropology, … on mathematics education. Have their approaches
been adopted? Have some been privileged over others?
The broad theme of this working group can be addressed in diverse ways. We
consider the following topics particularly relevant:
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The evolution of theoretical frameworks in mathematics education
The influence of other disciplines in this evolution
ICMI contributions to the dialogue between the mathematics education
community and other disciplines – for example anthropology, ethnography,
and philosophy
Outcomes of interdisciplinary dialogue
Further possible ICMI roles in promoting the dialogue (for example, should
new disciplines be considered?)
Participants in the Working Group are asked to prepare a short paper (no more
than 5 pages). Each contribution will be published on the Symposium Website
and on the Symposium CD. The submitted papers, due June 30 2007, will also be
used as a resource by the two co-chairs of the WG in their synthesis paper of the
WG’s deliberations.
To facilitate our planning we would appreciate receiving your expression of
interest by March 15 2007 at the latest.
Please note that at this stage we are unable to offer any financial support.
Please feel free to contact us should you need more information or have further
questions.
We look forward to working with you!
Gilah Leder
g.leder@latrobe.edu.au
Luis Radford
lradford@laurentian.ca