Before we consider the German tertiary system, we review the education system and consider other relevant background details. We then concentrate on the tertiary system and observe that the mathematical enrolments are keeping up with the overall student enrolments. At the same time, the first year mathematics enrolments for women are greater than…

Here, we look at the enrolments of students in undergraduate mathematics courses in a number of countries. The data show various increases and decreases and we suggest some common reasons for the fluctuations. These include students' goals of a secure and well-paid job, government actions and the state of the economy in the country concerned. We…

In this article, we start by considering the relevant parts of the French educational system and the data relating to science at the end of secondary school and the early years of university. We show an increase, till 1995, and then a decline in the study of mathematics at baccalaureate and university level. However, our main conclusions relate to…

This paper proposes an expanded conception of scaffolding with four key elements: (1) scaffolding agency--expert, reciprocal, and self-scaffolding; (2) scaffolding domain--conceptual and heuristic scaffolding; (3) the identification of self-scaffolding with metacognition; and (4) the identification of six zones of scaffolding activity; each zone…

In a future that is likely to be increasingly dominated by new technology, it is important to consider what mathematics is and how it might be taught. This article discusses these and related issues in the context of both universities and schools.

Takes a peer tutoring approach for part of the teaching of mathematics to two different classes at a tertiary institution, most of whose students were preparing to be teachers at either the primary or secondary levels. The experiment appeared to have been successful with the vast majority of the students wanting the experience to be repeated…

Suggests six characteristics of mathematical play. Analyzes the problem-solving process for the Six Circles and observations of students solving calculator and integration problems in relation to theories of play and cognitive gain. Discusses some difficulties of implementing a 'play' approach in the classroom and proposes further research…

Describes the results of part of a study into mathematical problem solving in secondary schools. Concludes that positive results were achieved, in part, as a consequence of the time that was spent in problem-solving lessons which allowed students to practice reading and working with word problems and working on basic material, particularly…