Cultural Traditions and the Modernization of Mathematics Education

Author: Zhang Weizhong/Wang Xiaoqin et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Modernization of mathematical education is at a crossroads. Today's mathematical education faces enormous challenges: challenges from different philosophies in mathematics and education, challenges from the cultural differences between the West and the East, and challenges from the conflict between historical traditions and modern spirit. Is mathematics merely a subject of dull, tedious, and endless calculations? Is there a vast gap between mathematics and the humanities? How can mathematical culture be brought into the classroom and integrated into mathematical learning? How can the strengths of the respective mathematical cultural traditions of the East and the West be leveraged? How can the history of mathematics be incorporated into mathematical teaching? How can computer technology be used to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity? How can mathematical modeling be used as a vehicle to achieve the modernization of mathematical education? Based on international activities in mathematical education, especially the current curriculum reform, this book explores a wealth of mathematical cultural materials and develops numerous creative teaching cases. Mathematics is full of humanistic elements and carries profound cultural connotations. Modern mathematical education should fully reflect the cultural value of mathematics and achieve a harmonious unity of scientific spirit and humanistic spirit.