Draft AAMT position paper: School mathematics for the 21st century

The Council of the AAMT has developed two draft position papers under the title School mathematics for the 21st century. These are designed to promote discussion and, ultimately, guide developments in school mathematics now and into the future. Whilst it is expected that the papers will inform the development of national curriculum in mathematics over the next few years, their purposes are much more wide reaching.

What should school mathematics of the 21st century be like?

This is the core document. When it is completed and adopted by the AAMT Council it will identify the stance of the Association on the nature of the mathematics that is taught and learnt in our schools. In many respects it is a companion document to the AAMT Standards for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in Australian Schools. The Standards identify the AAMT's stance on teaching mathematics; the position paper on School mathematics for the 21st century deals with the mathematics itself.

Click here to download a copy of the document.

Mathematics for the 21st century: Some key influences

In the preparation of the core document, the AAMT Council considered several areas that were seen to be critical influences on the nature of school mathematics in the 21st century. Topics covered in this paper are:

  • Mathematics for the 'knowledge economy';
  • Deep knowledge of mathematics;
  • Being numerate;
  • Generation Y and school mathematics; and
  • Changes in mathematics as a discipline and its uses.

This paper is seen as a working document. Ideas and further references will be particularly welcome as part of this consultation process. Suggestions about other influences - and why they are important - are also sought.

Click here to download a copy of the document.

Consultation process

A consultation process was undertaken during 2008, including the seeking of feedback on the draft papers from individuals and organisations across the spectrum of education in Australia.

Development of the final version, informed by this feedback, is currently under way.