Towards Integration of Modelling in Secondary Mathematics Teaching

Abstract

The inclusion of models and modellingModels and modelling in mathematics Blomhøj, M.curricula has been a major trend internationally in recent decades. This has taken place in interplay with research on the teaching and learning of modelling and applications. However, it is still a pending challenge for research how to support real integration of modellingModellingintegration and applications into mathematics teaching. At the secondary school level in particular, the duality between the aim of developing students' modelling competenceModellingcompetence and that of supporting their learning of mathematics through modelling activities is essential for understanding and furthering the integration. The interplay between research and the development of teaching practicesTeaching practices with regard to these two aims is discussed. In particular, the potential and challenges of using theories on the learning of mathematics to support the integration of modellingModellingintegration as a didactical approach will be illustrated and discussed in relation to two examples of mathematical modelling of dynamical phenomenaModellingdynamical phenomena at secondary level.