Czech and Slovak Research in Didactics of Mathematics

Abstract

This chapter presents the emergence of research in didactics of mathematics in the former Czechoslovakia and gives a glimpse at its present state. It is done against the background of the history of schooling in the area and with respect to international influences such as the New Math movement. Due to a limited access to international research prior to the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Czechoslovak research developed relatively independently, yet its character was similar to that of the West. An overview of research after the Revolution is divided into four streams: development of theories, knowledge and education of teachers, classroom research, and pupils’ reasoning in mathematics. Each stream is described by relevant work by Czech and Slovak researchers (with a focus on empirical research) and illustrated by publications.