Mathematics education: a view of the state of the art

Abstract

In this paper we try to identify Mathematics Education as an autonomous area of research in Education, through considerations about the very nature of Mathematics. We address historical, cognitive and political aspects of Mathematics and its insertion in school curricula. We then examine some recent trends in Mathematics Education research, outlining its main areas of interest. After mentioning, in general lines, the general aims and objectives of Mathematics teaching we make considerations about the future of Education (in particular Mathematics Education), about curriculum design and about a new role for the teacher.