Abstract: We must remember that education is a complex social institution shaped by larger social, political, and economic forces. Research in science or mathematics education makes a small but vital contribution to this constellation. The focus of the talk will be on school mathematics education research, with an emphasis on distinguishing critical educational research from curricular and pedagogical research, arguing that both are needed. Drawing on the curricular and pedagogical research done at the Homi Bhabha Centre, some examples will be discussed on how research can make small but significant contributions. The examples will also communicate a picture of what such research involves. The speaker will also highlight some agenda for work within research as well as finding institutional homes for such research.
Speaker: Prof. K Subramaniam (Ravi) is a Professor at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. His main research interests are the design and organisation of core areas of the middle-grade mathematics curriculum, such as fractions, proportional thinking, geometric measurement and algebra, and the specialised knowledge that teachers need to teach effectively at this level. His other interests are the integration of out-of-school knowledge and school learning of mathematics, frameworks for analysis of mathematics teaching and the role of visualisation in the learning of science. He has contributed to the work of curriculum and textbook committees and in-service teacher professional development in India. He has also played a central role in building and nurturing a community of mathematics educators in India. Prof. Subramaniam has also contributed to formulating education policy through his participation in the focus group on the teaching of mathematics, the syllabus committees for NCF-2005, and the curriculum and textbook committees for the state of Maharashtra (since 2011). He is a member of the National Council of Teacher Education (2013-present).
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