The almost universal rejection of the notion of symbols as carriers of meaning' has created the need to find an alternative for the use of models as embodiments of mathematical concepts. By taking its point of departure as a concern for the way students actually use tools and symbols, and for what these signify for them, this book explores the option of building on symbolizing, modelling and tool use as personally meaningful activities of students. This theme is approached from different angles and different perspectives. One dimension is that of setting, varying from the study of informal,...

The almost universal rejection of the notion of symbols as carriers of meaning' has created the need to find an alternative for the use of models as embodiments of mathematical concepts. By taking its point of departure as a concern for the way students actually use tools and symbols, and for what these signify for them, this book explores the option of building on symbolizing, modelling and tool use as personally meaningful activities of students. This theme is approached from different angles and different perspectives. One dimension is that of setting, varying from the study of informal,...