The Relevance of Modelling and Applications: Relevant to Whom and for What Purpose?

Abstract

The criteria for relevance of modelling and applications vary with the educational goals and the cultural context. But the competence of judging quantitative information and of evaluating mathematical models is a key competence that is linked to all levels of goals in a diversity of contexts. It is suggested that different mathematical practices should be distinguished and analysed in order to develop a curriculum, which aims at developing this competence.