The role of the history of mathematics in the teaching and learning of mathematics: Discussion Document for an ICMI Study (1997–2000)

In recent years there has been growing interest in the role of history of mathematics in improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. ICMI, the International Commission on Mathematics Instruction, has set up a Study on this topic, to report back at the next International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME) in Japan in the year 2000. The present document sketches out some of the concerns to be addressed in the ICMI Study, in the hope that many people across the world will wish to contribute to the international discussions and the growing understandings reached in and about this area.This discussion document will be followed by an invited conference (to be held in France in April 1998), from which a publication will be prepared to appear by 2000. The next section of the present document surveys the questions to be addressed. Your views are solicited both on the questions and on how to take the issues forward as implied in the commentary.