"Such transparency presents the book as a valuable resource for other communities that strive to improve their educational systems. The volume is vibrant with references to official government documents that further support its high validity. ... Another area of research could include the students and their responses to diverse learning methods offered." (Andrzej Sokolowski, MAA Reviews, December 26, 2021)
Introduction A Time of Changes: What Is Its Interest to Mathematics Educators? Alexander Karp Teachers College, Columbia University
Mathematics Education in the Czech Republic since 1989 Jarmila Novotna, Alena Hošpesová, Hana Moraová Charles University in Prague and South Bohemian University
Mathematics Education in Eastern Germany since 1990 Regina Bruder, Technical University, Darmstadt
Mathematics Education in Estonia since 1991 Madis Lepik Tallinn University
Mathematics Education in Hungary since 1989 János Győri, Vera Oláh Eötvös Loránd University and Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics
Mathematics Education in Poland since 1989 Ewa Swoboda, Rzeszów University
Mathematics Education in Russia since 1991 Alexander Karp
Mathematics Education in Ukraine since 1991 Vasil’ Shvets, Valentina Bevs, Olexander Shkol’nyi, Olga Matiash, Daria Vasilieva National Pedagogical University, Kiev, Vinnitsia State Pedagogical University, and Institute of Pedagogy, Ukrainian Academy of Pedagogical Sciences
Conclusion: Trends and Outcomes Alexander Karp Teachers College, Columbia University
Alexander Karp is a professor of mathematics education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He received his Ph.D. in mathematics education from Herzen Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia, and also holds a degree from the same university in history and education. Currently, his scholarly interests span several areas, including the history of mathematics education, gifted education, mathematics teacher education, and mathematical problem solving. He served as the managing editor of the International Journal for the History of Mathematics Education and is the author or editor of over one hundred publications, including over thirty books.
This contributed volume is devoted to the recent history and evolution of mathematics education in Eastern Europe, exploring how it was influenced by social and political changes in this part of the world. Despite the broad recognition of the importance of these changes, little scholarship exists that examines the ways in which they were followed by changes in the teaching of mathematics in the post-socialist countries. Indeed, the analyzed processes are complex and vary across the states. Accordingly, this book touches on many factors--including differences in cultures and traditions – that find expression in the teaching of mathematics.
Specifically, this volume seeks to explore what changes there were in education in general and in the position of mathematics in school education in these years, and how these changes may be explained and documented; what changes there were in the content of mathematics education and its assessment, and how were they motivated and adopted; what new textbooks appeared and what new methodological ideas were offered in them; how and why mathematics teacher education and/or professional development changed; what was the role (if any) of foreign influences on mathematics education, etc.
The book will be of interest to both researchers in mathematics education and practitioners-teachers, as well as a broader audience of historians and educators exploring the political aspects of education.