Schools, Mathematics and Work

Originally published in 1991, Schools, Mathematics and Work appeared at a time when the relationship between school and work mathematics was a live and controversial issue, with the values of industry tending to override those of education. It challenges simplistic and narrow views of school mathematics education and offers evidence for more positive and substantial ways forward.

The book illustrates the wide range of issues that should affect any consideration of the relationship between mathematics education and the use of mathematics for practical and work purposes. The concept of ethnomathematics is discussed, and biases, including those of gender, in the content of mathematics and mathematics education are exposed. The views of researchers, users, training boards and employing organisations are presented, and international contributions provide a broader perspective through which to assess existing practices and to suggest alternatives. The book concludes with a description of the Maths in Work Project, based at the University of London Institute of Education, and its efforts to relate research to practice through the development of a unique set of learning materials. Today it can be read in its historical context.