Research on Mathematical Modelling in Mathematics Education in Brazil: Overview and Considerations

Abstract

This chapter aims at presenting an overview of the research about mathematical modelling and mathematics education in Brazil from the reports and studies developed within the scope of the International Seminars for Research in Mathematics Education, editions from 2003 to 2015. This diachronic choice aims to thematize the current studies on modelling, placing them in the historical perspective of themes and debates in the field of mathematical modelling in mathematics education throughout the different editions of the seminars. The analysis of the work discussed with the working group since its conception indicated that most research is exploratory with a strong tendency for qualitative methodologies to dominate. Brazilian studies in this area thematize aspects that emerge from the interior of modelling practices, viewed through the lens of several theories, some with a philosophical basis, some with theories of language and others with mathematics education. The chapter ends by considering future directions and suggests that what still needs to be consolidated is a more proficient and frequent dialogue between the different research groups established in the different Brazilian regions.