Proceeding of the International Scientific Colloquium: MATHEMATICS AND CHILDREN (How to Teach and Learn Mathematics) (Osijek, Croatia, April 13, 2007)

The main aim of the Organisational Committee of the international scientific colloquium Mathematics and Children is to encourage additional scientific research in the field of mathematics teaching in Croatia. The development of science and education is a part of a long-term Education Sector Development Plan 2005-2010. Following the example of Europe and the rest of the world, special attention in the field of education is given to mathematical literacy of children (PISA programme) as well as to mathematics teacher training (quality insurance in higher education). Mathematics teaching in Croatia faces modified strategic, organizational, social and technical conditions. Introducing one-shift classes in primary schools, including children with special needs (talented ones and those with difficulties) in regular classes, extended day program for all students, two teachers per class, greater mobility of children and teachers in schools and new teaching technologies demand changes in the methodology of mathematical education of both children and future teachers of mathematics. It is important to develop a life-long learning programme for teachers of mathematics that includes doctoral studies. Research in the field of mathematics teaching implies multi- and interdisciplinarity. Therefore a cooperation with scientists outside the field of mathematics (psychologists, special-ed teachers, educators) is an imperative, although we strongly believe that improvements in mathematics teaching should be encouraged within the field of mathematics. A precondition for developing new approaches and methodologies in mathematics teaching in Croatia is a first-hand experience with the results of international research and standards in mathematics teaching and defining doctoral studies within the same field. We believe that the lectures, discussions and experience exchange between Croatian and international participants of the Mathematics and Children meeting will initiate and intensify scientific cooperation in the field of mathematics teaching on the international level. We would also like for this event to initiate the start of doctoral studies in the field of mathematics teaching in Croatia following the examples from Europe and worldwide. We are very grateful to numerous Croatian and international scientists who have recognized the importance of this event and managed to find the time to attend this gathering. We would also like to thank the heads and entrepreneurs of the local community who financed this event for the most part. Papers include: (1) An Overview of the Authorised Curriculum in Teaching Mathematics Harmonised with the Bologna Declaration at the Department of Mathematics, University of Sarajevo (Sefket Arslanagic); (2) Role of Different Representations of Mathematical Concepts for Learning with Understanding (Tatjana Hodnik-Cadez); (3) The Scientific Frameworks of Teaching Mathematics (Zdravko Kurnik); (4) An Evergreen Problem (Emil Molnar); (5) Mathematically Gifted Children: What Can We Teach Them and What Can We Learn? (Vesna Vlahovic-Stetic); (6) Difficulties in Teaching Mathematics in the Second Grade of Primary School (Josip Cindric and Maja Cindric); (7) Children and Simple Combinatorial Situations (Maja Cotic and Darjo Felda); (8) National Curriculum Framework for Primary Mathematics Education--European Experiences and Trends (Aleksandra Cizmesija); (9) Dynamic Mathematics Class and the Smart Board (Sasa Duka and Damir Tomic); (10) The Dyscalculic Child, Mathematics and Teacher Study Students (Lidija Goljevacki and Aleksandra Krampac-Grljusic); (11) Is the Language of Mathematics Difficult? (The level of technical language use among teacher training college students) (Eva Kopasz); (12) Assessment and Evaluation in Mathematics Education (Zeljka Milin-Sipus); (13) Origami and Mathematics (Franka Miriam-Bruckler); (14) Attitudes of the Students of Teaching Studies towards Mathematics (Irena Misurac-Zorica); (15) Partnership among Faculties, Schools and Families for the Improvement of Mathematics Education of the Gifted Children (Ksenija Mogus and Silvija Mihaljevic); (16) Expert System for Detecting a Child's Gift in Mathematics (Margita Pavlekovic, Marijana Zekic-Susac, and Ivana Durdevic); (17) Boris Pavkovic (portrait of a distinguished methodologist and popularizer of mathematics) (Mirko Polonijo); (18) Mathematics in Play and Leisure Activities--LEGO Building Bricks (Tomislav Rudec); (19) Basic Knowledge of Mathematics and Teacher Training (Sanja Rukavina); (20) Solving Linear Equations Using Computer's Drawing Tools (Miljenko Stanic); (21) Developing the Problem-Solving Skills of Children Suffering from Dyscalculia through Mathematical Tasks with a Text (Aniko Straubingerne Kemler); (22) The Concept of the Square and the Rectangle at the Age 10-11 (Ibolya Szilagyne Szinger); (23) The Use of Computers in Teaching Mathematics (Sanja Varosanec); and (24) From Active Experimenting to Abstract Notion Concept (Amalija Zakelj and Aco Cankar). (Individual papers contain tables, graphs, and references.) [Papers are presented in both English and Croatian. These proceedings were published by the University Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Faculty of Philosophy in Osijek. Abstract was modified to meet ERIC guidelines