Modelling and Applications in Mathematics Education

Among the themes that have been central to mathematics education dur­ ing the last 30 years are those of mathematical modelling and applications of mathematics to extra-mathematical fields. More generally we refer to these as relations between mathematics and the extra-mathematical world (some­ times also called the "real world") or preferably, according to Henry PoUak, the "rest of the world". That applications and modelling have been important themes in mathematics education can be inferred from the wealth of litera­ ture on these topics, including material generated from a multitude of na­ tional and international conferences. In particular let us mention firstly the ICMEs (the International Congresses on Mathematical Education), with their regular working or topic groups and lectures on applications and modelling; and secondly the series of ICTMAs (the International Conferences on the Teaching of Mathematical Modelling and Applications) which have been held biennially since 1983. Their Proceedings and Survey Lectures, have addressed the state-of-the-art at the relevant time, and contain many exam­ ples, studies, conceptual contributions and resources involving relations between the real world and mathematics, for all levels of the educational system. In curricula and textbooks we find today many more references to real world phenomena and problems than, say, twenty years ago.

The overall goal of Modelling and Applications in Mathematics Education is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in the field of modelling and applications in mathematics education. Key issues are dealt with, among which are the following:

Epistemology and the relationships between mathematics and the "rest of the world"; the meaning of mathematical modelling and its process components; the respect in which the distinction between pure mathematics and applications of mathematics make sense

Authenticity and Goals dealing with modelling and applications in mathematics teaching; appropriate balance between modelling activities and other mathematical activities; the role that authentic problem situations play in modelling and applications activities

Modelling Competencies: characterizing how a student's modelling competency can be characterized; identifiable sub-competencies, and the ways they constitute a general modelling competency; developing competency over time

Mathematical Competencies: identifying the most important mathematical competencies that students should acquire, and how modelling and applications activities can contribute toward building up these competencies; the meaning of "Mathematical Literacy" in relation to modelling

Modelling Pedagogy: appropriate pedagogical principles and strategies for the development of modelling courses and their teaching; the role of technology in the teaching of modelling and applications

Implementation and Practice: the role of modelling and applications in everyday mathematics teaching; major impediments and obstacles; advancing the use of modelling examples in everyday classrooms; documenting successful implementation of modelling in mathematics teaching

Assessment and Evaluation: assessment modes that capture the essential components of modelling competency; modes available for modelling and applications courses and curricula; appropriate strategies to implement new assessment and evaluation modes in practice

The contributing authors are eminent members of the mathematics education community. Modelling and Applications in Mathematics Education will be of special interest to mathematics educators, teacher educators, researchers, education administrators, curriculum developers and student teachers.