Sierpinska (mathematics and statistics, Concordia U. Montreal) tackles the central problem in mathematics education: understanding. Her inquiry draws together strands from mathematics, philosophy, logic, linguistics, psychology, and continental European research. She discusses the process of understanding, the role of activity, and cultural roots of epistemological obstacles. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
The concept of understanding in mathematics with regard to mathematics education is considered in this volume. The main problem for mathematics teachers being how to facilitate their students' understanding of the mathematics being taught. In combining elements of maths, philosophy, logic, linguistics and the psychology of maths education from her own and European research, Dr Sierpinska considers the contributions of the social and cultural contexts to understanding. The outcome is an insight into both mathematics and understanding.
