History of mathematics and teaching mathematics

Abstract

Th e paper discusses the possibilities of using contents of history of mathematics as a supporting strategy in the teaching of mathematics. Th ere is plenty of research that promotes using historical content in mathematics lessons, but only a few of them are of empirical nature. We will give the brief overview of some studies and consider diff erent possibilities of integrating contents of history of mathematics into the teaching and learning process. Moreover, we will point out some benefi ts of using the history of mathematics such as: increasing students’ motivation, decreasing anxiety related to the subject, building positive attitude towards mathematics, better understanding and development of mathematical concepts, changing the students’ perception about mathematics, development of multicultural approach to the subject, more chances for individual work and learning by discovery, helping students to understand the role and importance of mathematics in society etc. Furthermore, we are analyzing the current state of mathematical education in Serbia and some other countries from the aspect of integrating the contents of the history of mathematics into teaching. Th e main goal of this paper is to investigate the teachers’ beliefs and attitudes about possibilities of using history of mathematics in their practice. Based on the results of the inquiry we will suggest possible ways of how to include and use the history of mathematics in mathematics classrooms.