Cultural-historical activity theory--with historical roots in dialectical materialism and the social psychology to which it has given rise--has experienced exponential growth in its acceptance by scholars interested in understanding knowing and learning writ large. In education, this theory has constituted something like a well kept secret that is…

Focuses on the state of mathematics as exemplified in New Zealand schools rather than the level of mathematical understanding of students. Regards the picture of mathematics presented in curriculum documents as healthy with respect to mathematics, but criticizes implementation of the curriculum. Suggests teaching by presenting a wider picture of…

Describes, analyzes, and locates policy developments and teacher-related initiatives in mathematics education within the broader educational and policy context of a South Africa in transition. (37 references) (Author/MKR)

Drawing on current research, explicates 12 assertions relating to curricula, teaching, learners, and learning environments in lower primary mathematics, including: unchanging and under-challenging curricula, children's verbal number strategies and number sense, curriculum restraints on teachers, learning in collaborative settings, role of problem…

Discusses five common myths about statistical significance testing (SST), the possible erroneous and harmful contributions of SST to educational research, and suggested alternatives to SST for mathematics education research. (Contains 61 references.) (MKR)

Contends that the understanding of mathematics education is inadequate because mathematics education research has not focused on the most appropriate objects. Proposes that research should focus less on the players and more on the play itself. (15 references) (MKR)

Develops and represents diagrammatically a holistic model of theories of learning in mathematics education, including transmissive and constructivist views. (45 references) (MKR)

Discusses two meanings of abstract: abstract-apart, ideas removed from reality; and abstract-general, ideas general to a wide variety of contexts. Suggests that greater interest in abstraction as a process, instead of just a product, would be beneficial to mathematics education theory and practice. (48 references) (MKR)