Which Mathematics for the Information Society?

Citation: João F. Ferreira, Alexandra Mendes, Roland Backhouse and L. S. Barbosa Which Mathematics for the Information Society?.
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Tagged: mathematics education mathis computational thinking algorithms logic puzzles recreational (RSS)

Summary

MathIS is a new project that aims to reinvigorate secondary-school mathematics by exploiting insights of the dynamics of algorithmic problem solving. This paper describes the main ideas that underpin the project. In summary, we propose a central role for formal logic, the development of a calculational style of reasoning, the emphasis on the algorithmic nature of mathematics, and the promotion of self-discovery by the students. These ideas are discussed and the case is made, through a number of examples that show the teaching style that we want to introduce, for their relevance in shaping mathematics training for the years to come. In our opinion, the education of software engineers that work effectively with formal methods and mathematical abstractions should start before university and would benefit from the ideas discussed here.

Theoretical and Practical Relevance

We believe that the ideas discussed in the paper can have a tremendous impact on mathematics education. In particular, it has the potential to equip the students with powerful mental tools that will help them tackle computing problems.