This paper is about the role and the potential of the history of mathematics in mathematics education. We report a discussion that we had about theoretical issues in this context, particularly about the notion of Otherness as developed by the French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. The focus is on the reading of historical texts, both in the context…

General principles of history instruction at the community college level are presented in this essay. Suggested criteria for the teaching of history include emphasizing relevant, vital subject matter in ongoing lessons and units, and encouraging students to utilize primary as well as secondary data sources. Potential philosophies that the history…

Japan has often been criticized for allegedly teaching its schoolchildren about the history of Imperial Japan 1895-1945 in selective and misleading ways. Is this criticism justified, and how does it compare with the record of another former colonial power in East Asia: England? International criticism of history teaching in England has been…

Purpose: I take as a starting point the disparaging comments about the place of history and philosophy of education in initial teacher education (ITE) made by the chair of the Teacher Education Expert Panel established by the Australian Government in 2023, which I take to be the most recent attempt at resurrecting the tired debate over "the…

The purpose of college teaching is to promote book learning--a type of learning which is repressive of people's natural curiosity. It is the duty of teachers to help students be what they do not want to be; therefore, they need to proceed with charity, affection, and selflessness. In teaching, communication proceeds on three levels: (1) formal…

States that World War I served as a catalyst for rapid change in the teaching of history, geography, and current events. Indicators of change were found in professional journals such as THE HISTORY TEACHER'S MAGAZINE. Concludes that post-World War I social studies was more like our current curriculum than that which existed prior to the War.…

This paper discusses three diverse philosophical schools of thought that pertain to the teaching of history. The identification of objectives, selection of learning activities, and methods of pupil achievement appraisal are outlined for each school of thought. Experimentalism emphasizes diverse methods of instruction, a stimulating environment,…

Proposes that the role of mathematics education be re-examined in terms of an increased emphasis on mathematical knowledge rather than attainment of calculational speed. Offers perspectives on the reform movement in mathematics education and advocates the teaching of the history, logic, and method of mathematical thinking. (ML)

This collection includes 13 essays on various aspects of learning and elementary education. Individual essays describe, discuss, evaluate, or make recommendations about: (1) the urban school curriculum; (2) individually guided education; (3) in-service teacher education; (4) design of the science curriculum; (5) use of psychology in mathematics…

Describes the history of English teaching versus literature teaching in Malaysia. Explains the concept of English as a Second Language in Malaysia. Elucidates inconsistencies between the teaching of the literature of the English class and the goals of the present National Philosophy of Education. Suggests a rethinking of the teaching of literature…

A broad range of educational issues is treated in this collection of 120 short essays, written from the perspective of the author's 40 years in the education field. Section titles include: Teachers and Teaching; Episodes in the History of Education; Flights of Fancy; Defending the Schools; War and Peace; A Few Questions and Fewer Answers; and…

Many authors note that the history of teaching Latin would be a fruitful topic for a comprehensive treatise. Although intense debates about the quality and necessity of teaching Latin date back as early as in the eighteenth century, Latin courses have persisted into the present and, notably, with few changes in content. The author supports the…

Seven widely-used high school world history textbooks were analyzed to test the proposition that alternative political and economic systems, such as American democracy and Soviet communism, are treated neutrally, as if they are morally equivalent. This proposition has been advanced by leaders in the U.S. Department of Education as a criticism of…

Most teachers hope to make a difference in the lives of their students, but whether they accomplish this with any regularity is often left unclear. With a topic like the Holocaust, the stakes are greatly raised. In this essay, the author discusses the place of the Holocaust in the liberal arts. He argues that the content of Holocaust education…

This bulletin provides an overview of developmental theory and practice in relation to social studies instruction in K-12 curriculum. In the first of eight chapters developmental theories pertaining to teaching and learning social studies are presented. The theories of Erik Erikson, Jane Loevinger, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Robert Selman…