The Problems of Mathematical Modelling Introduction on Mathematics Education in Japanese School

摘要

A new course of study for lessons in mathematics will be given by high school mathematics departments in April, 2012. Phrases, such as "Learning Mathematics through Problems" and "Mathematical Activity", are described as teaching content for the first time ever. In the past, there have been few cases where mathematical modelling was practised in mathematics education in Japan. Thus, introducing it now may cause puzzled reactions from senior high school teachers. We present two practice examples about using mathematical modelling to aid function education in Japanese senior high schools. As preceding study for the coming curriculum change, two research examples about function education in Japanese senior high schools will be given to teachers as follows. The two models include content which is linked to university education. Such modelling practice is important for students who aim to become scientists and engineers and for students to become wise citizens. In addition, children need mathematical modelling training at early stages of their growth, such as during elementary school. But because university education and college students taking teacher-training courses have major difficulties in mathematics, proper human resources may be unable to be given to the field of school education.