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The potential and challenges for mathematics teaching and learning in the digital age

Hoyles, CM; (2017) The potential and challenges for mathematics teaching and learning in the digital age. (Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications - Presidential Address ). Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications: Essex, UK. Green open access

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Abstract

The underlying theme of my Presidential address was to outline the evidence of the importance of mathematics and some of the challenges that need to be faced if we are to increase participation in the subject. The first, overarching and enduring challenge is the invisibility of the subject. Most people just do not understand what the subject is about and why they are studying it for so many hours over so many years. I will point to some dangers if we do not rise to the challenge. The second challenge is to acknowledge, and then to address the complexities of teaching and learning mathematics: it is not a matter of mere exposition of procedures. It is perhaps appropriate for my IMA Presidential address to quote from a message from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, President of the IMA in 1976-77, who acknowledged in the proceedings of the Second International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME2) held in Exeter, 1974, that mathematics was ‘vitally important for everyone in this technological age, and then went on to argue that ‘any advance in the techniques of teaching is to be welcomed’ since: “those fortunate beings who find mathematics a joy and a fascination will probably get on, whatever the standard of teaching. It requires real genius to light a flicker of understanding in the minds of those to whom mathematics is a clouded mystery.” (ICME2 proceedings, 1974, emphasis added). This remark seems even more relevant now over 40 years later, not only concerning the importance of mathematics, but also the explicit recognition of the challenge of teaching for engagement. My claim is that using computers in carefully designed ways can help us address these challenges.

Type: Working / discussion paper
Title: The potential and challenges for mathematics teaching and learning in the digital age
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Publisher version: https://ima.org.uk/1788/potential-challenges-mathe...
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Culture, Communication and Media
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1476100
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