Conventions play an important communicative role in mathematics. Likely due to the complex relationship between conventions and school mathematics, few education researchers have questioned or investigated the consequences of instruction and curricula that primarily, if not unquestionably, maintain conventions. Drawing on Piagetian notions of…

Addresses issues in relation to educational theories focusing on traditionalism and progressivism as examples of two main theories and considers the relationship between educational theories and teaching methods. Believes that it is a mistake to intermingle the differences in educational theories with issues about teaching methods. (CMK)

Data from Pulap Atoll in Chuuk State (Micronesia) indicate ways in which indigenous culture can transform formal Western schooling. Although the educational system ostensibly derives from a U.S. model and occurs in a context that islanders recognize as nontraditional, many aspects of schooling continue to transmit Pulapese culture. (SLD)