Mathematics is often positioned as being difficult for Ghanaian teachers to teach and pupils to learn. Although literature point to the educational and scientific relevance of many of the socio-cultural practices in the Ghanaian society, many mathematical concepts are taught out of context in schools. In this paper I will draw on Bishop's (1988)…

"The root of 18 is closer to 4 than it is to 5 because 18 is closer to 16 than it is to 25". Is this statement, voiced in an 8th grade class, valid? We suggest hypothetical arguments upon which this statement might be based, and analyze them from two complementary perspectives--epistemic and pedagogical--drawing on Toulmin's notion of…

A model for learning mathematics is proposed which involves the components of using, discriminating, generalizing, and synthesizing. The ways pupils use Logo programs as tools within their projects and how the nature of their programming tools become more explicitly understood and generalized are discussed. (RH)

Reports results of a four-year experiment integrating writing into secondary mathematics classrooms. Discusses (1) the development of a pedagogical model for mathematics journal keeping; and (2) the practicalities of implementing journal writing in the curriculum. Includes sample journal entries. (12 references) (MDH)