How can an idea developed through fundamental research become a way of teaching mathematics used by thousands of teachers and pupils? And what can we learn from the journey?
These questions will be at the heart of one of the themes of the ICME-16 Regional Focus Programme in Prague.
An international team of researchers and mathematics educators has spent many years exploring, developing and implementing genetic constructivism in mathematics education. Their work has now resulted in the book Implementing a New Mathematics Curriculum Based on Genetic Constructivism, edited by Naďa Vondrová and Ladislav Kvasz and published by Routledge (a book flyer can be downloaded here).
From an idea to a curriculum – and into classrooms
The story behind the book is not simply a story about a theory. It is a story about development, implementation and change.
Genetic constructivism has its roots in research on how mathematical knowledge develops and how this development can inform the teaching and learning of mathematics. Over time, these ideas have been transformed into curriculum materials, textbooks, teacher education and classroom practices. The process has involved researchers, teachers, teacher educators and other stakeholders working together across different contexts.
At ICME-16, we will use this experience to explore the journey from research to practice. What happens when a theoretical idea enters the world of schools? What is needed to implement it? What changes when an approach is taken up by teachers? And what can be learnt from a process that has developed over several decades?
A programme in many voices
The Regional Focus Programme will bring together authors of the book and other stakeholders in a range of formats. Through lectures, presentations, an expert panel and opportunities for discussion, participants will be able to explore different stages and perspectives of this journey.
A special book launch will also be part of the programme, providing an opportunity to celebrate the international collaboration behind the volume and to discuss the ideas and experiences presented in it.
The book brought together contributors from several European countries and many of them will be part of the ICME-16 programme:
Naďa Vondrová · Ladislav Kvasz · Hynek Bachratý · Darina Jirotková · Jana Slezáková · Lucia Csachová · David Janda · Esperanza López Centella · Ioannis Papadopoulos · Irena Smetáčková · Martin Chvál · Ewa Swoboda · Bożena Maj-Tatsis · Marta Pytlak · Adrian Simpson · Anne Cockburn
A shared experience, an international conversation
The programme is not intended simply to present one particular approach to mathematics teaching. Rather, it will offer an opportunity to reflect on a broader challenge facing mathematics education: how can research-based ideas make their way into sustainable changes in teaching and learning?
The experience of genetic constructivism provides one concrete case through which to explore this question—from theoretical foundations and research, through curriculum development and teacher education, to classroom practice and pupils’ learning.
Join us at ICME-16 in Prague to explore the journey from theory to classrooms – and to discuss what it takes to make such a journey possible.
