Overview

For anyone interested in the history and effects of the introduction of so-called “Modern Mathematics” (or “Mathématique Moderne,” or “New Mathematics,” etc.) this book, by Dirk De Bock and Geert Vanpaemel, is essential reading.  The two authors are experienced and highly qualified Belgian scholars and the book looks carefully at events relating to school mathematics for the period from the end of World War II to 2010. Initially the book focuses on events which helped to define the modern mathematics revolution in Belgium before and during the 1960s. The book does much more than that, however, for it traces the influence of these events on national and international debates during the early phases of the reform. By providing readers with translations into English of relevant sections of key Continental documents outlining the major ideas of leading Continental scholars who contributed to the “Mathématique Moderne” movement, this book makes available to a wide readership,the theoretical, social, and political backdrops of Continental new mathematics reforms. In particular, the book focuses on the contributions made by Belgians such as Paul Libois, Willy Servais, Frédérique Lenger, and Georges Papy. The influence of modern mathematics fell away rapidly in the 1970s, however, and the authors trace the rise and fall, from that time into the 21st century, of a number of other approaches to school mathematics—in Belgium, in other Western European nations, and in North America. In summary, this is an outstanding, landmark publication displaying the fruits of deep scholarship and careful research based on extensive analyses of primary sources.

Full Product Details

9783030205980

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Reviews

“This research is not merely historically interesting but is also relevant to understanding what present-day STEM (and I would add STEAM) initiatives are really about and what the potentials pitfalls and dangers can be, and what the underlying educational aims and goals are (or should be) vis-à-vis society at large.” (Jean Paul Van Bendegem, Centaurus, Vol. 63, Issue 3, 2021) “The great merit of the book by de Bock and Vanpaemel is that it offers a comprehensive picture of 50 years of mathematics education, based on an overwhelming number of sources. It is a ‘must read’ for everyone who is seriously interested in the history of mathematics education.” (Harm Jan Smid, History of Education, Vol. 26, September 15, 2020) “The main focus of the book Rods, Sets and Arrows is on an episode during a definite period in the history of Belgian mathematics education. … The book may hopefully encourage international readers and scholars to delve into research and to write an account of events and developments leading up to the present status of mathematics education in their own country.” (Kristín Bjarnadóttir, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 104, 2020)

The main focus of the book Rods, Sets and Arrows is on an episode during a definite period in the history of Belgian mathematics education. ... The book may hopefully encourage international readers and scholars to delve into research and to write an account of events and developments leading up to the present status of mathematics education in their own country. (Kristin Bjarnadottir, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 104, 2020)

Author Information

Dirk De Bock is a Professor of Mathematics in the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Leuven (Belgium). His research concerns the history of mathematics education, psychological aspects of the teaching and learning of mathematics, and the role of mathematics in economics and finance. Geert Vanpaemel is a Professor of History of Science and Science Communication at the University of Leuven (Belgium). His research concerns the history of science in Belgium since 1500, the history of universities and education, and the popularization of science. 

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