What ain’t mathematics education?!

What Is the Philosophy of Mathematics Education

This question (what is the philosophy of mathematics education?) provokes a number of reactions, even before one tries to answer it. Is it a philosophy of mathematics education, or is it the philosophy of mathematics education? Use of the preposition ‘a’ suggests that what is being offered is one of several such perspectives, practices or areas of study. Use of the definite article ‘the’ sugges...

Philosophy of Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Philosophy of Mathematics Education

Mathematics, Mathematicians, and Mathematics Education

I am one of a growing number of research mathematicians who are substantially engaged with school mathematics education. Such outreach has a long and honorable tradition. In this lecture, I illustrate some of the ways that I think this can be helpful, and even essential. Upon his retirement in 1990 as president of the ICMI, Jean Pierre Kahane spoke perceptively of the intimate connection betwee...

Futurologist of Mathematics Education

Jim Kaput lived a full life in mathematics education and we have many reasons to be grateful to him, not only for his vision of the use of technology in mathematics, but also for his fundamental humanity. This paper considers the origins of his ‘big ideas’ as he lived through the most amazing innovations in technology that have changed our lives more in a generation than in many centuries befor...

Empowerment in Mathematics Education

In this paper I explore the meaning of empowerment in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The main part of the paper is devoted to distinguishing three different but complementary meanings of empowerment concerning mathematics: mathematical, social and epistemological empowerment. Mathematical empowerment concerns gaining the power to use mathematical knowledge and skills in school mathem...

Competitions and mathematics education

Mathematics competitions, together with the people and organizations engaged with them, form an immense and vibrant global network today. This network has many roles. Competitions help identify students with higher abilities in mathematics. They motivate these students to develop their talents and to seek professional realization in science. Competitions have positive impact on education and on...