We introduce, motivate, and exemplify a proposed theoretical construct guiding the design and facilitation of collaborative geometry activities, conceptually generative perspectival complementarity (CGPC). Participants in CGPC activities learn content by negotiating their respective perceptions of situated features they manipulate to accomplish…

This essay aims to advance the debate on the conceptualization of interdisciplinarity in mathematics education by presenting the idea of the border as a dynamic semiotic cross-cultural space. We refer to three theories, that originate in different research fields and use specific languages: De Luca Picione and Valsiner's idea of the border as a…

In many Canadian schools the acronym BEDMAS is used as a mnemonic to assist students in remembering the order of operations: Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. In the USA the mnemonic is PEMDAS, where 'P' denotes parentheses, along with the phrase "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally". In the UK the…

This is the first of a two-part article that presents a theory of unit construction and coordination that underlies radical constructivist empirical studies of student learning ranging from young students' counting strategies to high school students' algebraic reasoning. My explanation starts with the formation of arithmetical units, which presage…

In recent years computer algebra systems (CAS) have become an integrated part of the upper secondary school mathematics program. Despite the many positive possibilities of CAS, there also seems to be a flip side of the coin in relation to actual difficulties in learning mathematics, not least because a strong dependence on CAS for mathematical…

Advancement of self-regulation during complex problem solving and the development of strategical reasoning are among the central educational goals linked to 21st century skills. In this paper we introduce the notion of "Stepped Tasks", which are specially designed in Top-Down structure to achieve these goals in mathematics instruction.…

This is the second of a two-part article that presents a theory of unit construction and coordination that underlies radical constructivist empirical studies of student learning ranging from young students' counting strategies to high school students' algebraic reasoning. In Part I, I discussed the formation of arithmetical units and composite…

The observation that the human mind operates in two distinct thinking modes--intuitive and analytical- have occupied psychological and educational researchers for several decades now. Much of this research has focused on the explanatory power of intuitive thinking as source of errors and misconceptions, but in this article, in contrast, we view…

The most common distinction within research in metacognition, is between metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive skill. This distinction leads to a teaching dilemma: which aspect to prioritise? As part of an enactivist study, I analyse the development of student metacognition in one teacher's mathematics classroom. While it is possible…

It is increasingly being recognised that a significant number of able students who embark on a mathematics degree become disenchanted and move away from mathematics after graduating. This paper reports on the experiences of four such learners, exploring their mathematical trajectories against ideas in current literature. Through a consideration of…

The teaching of negative numbers poses problems at the school level. A historical account of the intellectual difficulties in the evolution of negative numbers and a method of viewing negative numbers as an extension of the number system to help overcome these difficulties are presented. (MDH)

Given the recent reconceptualizations about the nature and the role of writing within the mathematics curriculum, the proposal to instigate similar reconceptualizations, regarding the nature and the role of reading mathematics within curricular designs, is discussed with respect to appropriate strategies and relevant contexts. (JJK)

A personal experience is described concerning problem solving that incorporates the computer to help generate multiple examples of proposed conjectures as solutions. The positive potential of technology to allow students of mathematics to experience the process of discovering mathematics through conjecture and generalization is emphasized. (MDH)

Examines how components of the concept of function (variable, domain, and range) and the process-object duality in its nature emerge as highly relevant to student learning in various mathematical contexts related to linear and abstract algebra. (Contains 22 references.) (ASK)

Investigates the heart of the experience of mathematical engagement and the meaning derived from such activities. Analyzes dialogue between five people, two of whom are professional mathematicians, another two who are graduate students in either engineering or education, and one who lacks advanced mathematical training but maintains a positive…