Cultural conflicts in mathematics classrooms and resolution: The case of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union and Israeli 'Old timers'

摘要

This paper describes a singular process that has been transforming mathematics education in Israel over the past 20 years, as a result of a massive influx of mathematics teachers from the former Soviet Union (FSU). It traces the key points of conflict that marked the initial contact between Israel's mathematical and educational culture and the codes and values brought with the immigrant teachers from the FSU. It then shows how this conflict is gradually becoming resolved, as the two disparate cultures merge into a single, new culture, based on 'the best of both worlds.' This case, we claim, can serve as an example of the importance - and the benefit – of relations of mutual influence and stimulation between different groups in today's climate of migrating peoples and mixing cultures.