Os debates em torno das reformas do ensino de matemática: 1930-1942

Abstract

During the period from the late 20’s to the early 40’s there were lively discussions in Brazil concerning the teaching of mathematics. Although these discussions should be viewed as part of the much more general debate about educational reforms in Brazil, they have their own dynamics and actors. This paper presents some of the principal themes and actors of the discussions about a new mathematics teaching in Brazil: traditional teaching as opposed to the trends present in Europe and the United States since the beginning of the century: the “revolution” in mathematics teaching was strongly supported by Euclides Roxo, who yielded great influence, because of his official position as head of Colégio Pedro II. Arlido Vieira, on the other hand, represented brilliantly the traditional catholic teaching centered mainly on the study of the classics.