The Executive Committee of the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) has accepted the proposal of its Australian Subcommission (ASICMI) to hold an ICMI Study in Australia in 2000 on the topic, "The Future of Algebra." A Study is held approximately every two years on a topic of importance to the international mathematics education community and this is the first Study to be held in Australia. A Study is built around a series of position papers prepared in advance, a conference of invited experts from around the world considering the papers, and the preparation of a book with the outcomes of the conference. The Study in Australia will be organised at the University of Melbourne under the direction of Professor Kaye Stacey.
The aim of the Study will be to chart future directions for the algebra curriculum and algebra teaching in the light of
The Study will focus on two main issues - the algebra knowledge and skills which will be of lasting value in the 21st century and the conditions under which algebra can best be learned. For the first issue there are associated questions related to the availability of computer algebra systems and their effect on how and what mathematics is taught, to the further developments in this technology likely to impinge on school and university mathematics courses, to the redesign of the curriculum to focus on algebra as "structure", and to the directions of change if the subject is to be radically altered. For the second issue there are questions related to what methods of teaching are successful, to the transfer of the results of research to the improvement of student outcomes, to the relationship of pure and applied needs for algebra by various users, and to changes to curriculum and assessment associated with the use of technology.
It is intended that the Study will provide an opportunity for those interested in algebra at all levels, including tertiary, in Australia to contribute to the debate on its future. The Study conference itself will provide the opportunity to gather world experts in Australia and it is hoped that in conjunction with other groups interested in mathematics and mathematics education in Australia, a major satellite conference will enable the participation of a wide Australian audience. Enquiries for those who would be interested in being involved in the Study should be directed to the Conference Secretary: Barry McCrae, b.mccrae@edfac.unimelb.edu.au, FAX: 03 9344 8739.
Chair of ASICMI
University of Tasmania