Institute of Education London

Representing Mathematics with Digital Media (ReMATH)

Overview

The ReMath project addresses the problem of wide-ranging dissatisfaction with the state of mathematics education in Europe and the weak impact of R&D work on using ICT for its improvement. Theoretical frameworks emerging from state-of-the-art research on learning mathematics with digital media are fragmented and involve assumptions bound to the specific contexts from which they emerged. This has weakened the impact of these frameworks on cognitive theory and practice and the impact of digital media on mathematical teaching and learning in schools.

The project addresses the task of integrating theoretical frames on mathematical teaching and learning with digital technologies at the European level. The project focuses on the primary to secondary schooling level giving balanced attention to both teachers and students and incorporating a range of innovative and technologically enhanced traditional representations.

Methods

The work involves a cyclical process of:

1. developing six state-of-the-art dynamic digital artefacts for representing mathematics involving the domains of Algebra, Geometry and applied mathematics
2. developing scenarios for the use of these artefacts for educational added value
3. carrying out empirical research involving cross-experimentation in realistic educational contexts.

The project will also concretely impact on educational system through the development of an integrated digital learning space for math education which will be available in different European languages.