Book chapter
Modelling with Mathematics and Technologies
Third International Handbook of Mathematics Education, pp.549-569
Springer International Handbooks of Education, 27, Springer New York
2012
Abstract
This chapter seeks to provide an integrating theoretical framework for understanding the somewhat disparate and disconnected literatures on “modelling” and “technology” in mathematics education research. From a cultural–historical activity theory, neo-Vygtoskian perspective, mathematical modelling must be seen as embedded within an indivisible, molar “whole” unit of “activity.” This notion situates “technology”—and mathematics, also—as an essential part or “moment” of the whole activity, alongside other mediational means; thus it can only be fully understood in relation to all the other moments. For instance, we need to understand mathematics and technology in relation to the developmental needs and hence the subjectivity and “personalities” of the learners. But, then, also seeing learning as joint teaching–learning activity implies the necessity of understanding the relation of these also to the teachers, and to the wider institutional and professional and political contexts, invoking curriculum and assessment, pedagogy and teacher development, and so on. Historically, activity has repeatedly fused mathematics and technology, whether in academe or in industry: this provides opportunities, but also problems for mathematics education. We illustrate this perspective through two case studies where the mathematical-technologies are salient (spreadsheets, the number line, and CAS), which implicate some of these wider factors, and which broaden the traditional view of technology in social context.
Details
- Title
- Modelling with Mathematics and Technologies
- Authors
- Julian Williams (Author) - University of ManchesterMerrilyn Goos (Author) - University of Queensland
- Contributors
- M A Clements (Editor) - Illinois State UniversityAlan J Bishop (Editor) - Monash UniversityChristine Keitel (Editor) - Freie Universität BerlinJeremy Kilpatrick (Editor) - University of GeorgiaFrederick Koon-Shing Leung (Editor) - University of Hong Kong
- Publication details
- Third International Handbook of Mathematics Education, pp.549-569
- Series
- Springer International Handbooks of Education; 27
- Publisher
- Springer New York
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-1-4614-4684-2_18; 10.1007/978-1-4614-4684-2
- ISBN
- 9781461446842
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99554405602621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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