[Maths-Education] Re: Mathematics and the Engineering Council

[Peter Gill]

Keith quotes

 "the Golden Age of A Level Mathematics"(the 1960s) "when A level was an
entrance examination controlled by the universities and geared to serve
their needs" (p2)."


However it is my claim that there is more to it than simply a resistance to
change. I usually start seminars on the subject with a quote from a trio of
maths lecturers from King's College London:

"Many students of science subjects arrive at university with little
facility and less interest in mathematics"

and I ask when people think it was written.  When do you think? See below



















The reference is
 Baker, J.; Crampin, M. & Nuttall, J. (1973). A crash course in calculus.
International Journal of Mathematics Education in Science and Technology,
4, 335-339.


Implying that it was written during the "golden age" thirty years ago.

The problem seems always to have existed and has at least as much to do
with interdisciplinary fighting as anything else. However school
mathematics is a great scapegoat to paper over (talk about mixed
metaphors!) cracks within the academy. I repeat, come along to the Seminar
on Dec 12 and let's get the discourse moved forward.

Peter Gill                    School of Education
                              King's College London
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Tel: +44 (0)20 7 848 3188     London SE1 8WA
Fax: +44 (0)20 7 848 3182     United Kingdom

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/education