What is the Mathematics in Mathematics Education?

What ain’t mathematics education?!

Abstract: In 1996 at the first Iranian Mathematics Education Conference (IMEC1) that was held in Isfahan. I obliged myself as a mathematics educator, to inform the mathematics community at large by presenting a paper entitled “what is mathematics education?” to pave the way for the establishment of the master program of mathematics education in Iran. Now, after 16 years, we need to reflect on t...

What Is the Philosophy of Mathematics Education

This question (what is the philosophy of mathematics education?) provokes a number of reactions, even before one tries to answer it. Is it a philosophy of mathematics education, or is it the philosophy of mathematics education? Use of the preposition ‘a’ suggests that what is being offered is one of several such perspectives, practices or areas of study. Use of the definite article ‘the’ sugges...

The trace of realistic mathematics education in the school mathematics in Iran

Abstract: In the late 70's, in reaction to both "New Math" movement in the United States and "mechanistic mathematics education" approach to mathematics education in Netherland, Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) has been introduced by Freudenthal and his colleagues. In this educational approach, Freudenthal considered mathematics as a human activity. Based on this approach, education should...

What Is Good Mathematics?

Some personal thoughts and opinions on what “good quality mathematics” is and whether one should try to define this term rigorously. As a case study, the story of Szemerédi’s theorem is presented. 1. The many aspects of mathematical quality We all agree that mathematicians should strive to produce good mathematics. But how does one define “good mathematics”, and should one even dare to try at a...

What “ Is ” Mathematics ?