Modelling and Applications in Mathematics Education

The overall goal of Applications and Modelling in Mathematics Education is toprovide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in the field of modelling and applications in mathematics education. Key issues are dealt with, among which are the following:Epistemology and the relationships between mathematics and the "rest of the world"; the meaning of mathematical modelling and its process components; the respect in which the distinction between pure mathematics and applications of mathematics make senseAuthenticity and Goals dealing with modelling and applications in mathematics teaching; appropriate balance between modelling activities and other mathematical activities; the role that authentic problem situations play in modelling and applications activitiesModelling Competencies: characterizing how can a student's modelling competency be characterized; identifiable sub-competencies, and the ways they constitute a general modelling competency; developing competency over timeMathematical Competencies: identifying the most important mathematical competencies that students should acquire, and how modelling and applications activities can contribute towards building up these competencies; the meaning of "Mathematical Literacy" in relation to modellingModelling Pedagogy: appropriate pedagogical principles and strategies for the development of modelling courses and their teaching; the role of technology in the teaching of applications and modellingImplementation and Practice: the role of applications and modelling in everyday mathematics teaching; major impediments and obstacles; advancing the use of modelling examples in everyday classrooms; documenting successful implementation of modelling in mathematics teachingAssessment and Evaluation: assessment modes that capture the essential components of modelling competency; modes available for applications and modelling courses and curricula; appropriate strategies to implement new assessment and evaluation modes in practiceThe contributing authors are eminent members of the mathematics education community. Applications andModelling in Mathematics Education will be of special interest to mathematics educators, teacher educators, researchers, education administrators, curriculum developers and student teachers.