Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics.

There are selected philosophies in the teaching of mathematics that can provide guidance to the teacher in developing the curriculum. This paper discusses four philosophies of teaching mathematics. (1) Idealism stresses that the pupil lives in an idea-centered mathematical world, but not an objective real world. Abstract content is prized more highly than concrete and semi-concrete representations. (2) Realism emphasizes that a person can know the real world in whole or in part as it really is. With pupils attaining precisely measurable stated objectives in mathematics, they become more and more knowledgeable of the real world as it truly is. (3) Experimentalism emphasizes pupils' learning that is useful and utilitarian. Within a given problem area, mathematics is used to solve selected problems. (4) Existentialism stresses individual choices made by a pupil in selecting sequential tasks and experiences in mathematics. The pupil is the chooser. The tasks may involve problem solving as well as other kinds of tasks. Use of diverse philosophies of education to provide for individual differences should assist each pupil to learn as much mathematics as possible. (MKR)