Trends in Brazilian academic production in the History of Mathematics Education: directions from EBRAPEM

The number of papers on History of Mathematics Education presented at EBRAPEM (Brazilian Meeting of Graduate Students in Mathematics Education) has increased significantly between 2003 and 2008. This article presents a study with the aim of identifying themes, periods in focus, and sources and theoretical and methodological references used by the authors of the papers on History of Mathematics Education published in the proceedings of VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII EBRAPEM. The study indicates that the approach of ongoing research in History of Mathematics Education in Brazil has been similar to the approach of research in History of Education in general. However, the institutional separation between these two areas of investigation is noted as a factor rendering communication between both groups of researchers difficult.

Dynamics of change of mathematics education in Brazil and a scenario of current research

Mathematics education in Brazil, if we consider what one may call the scientific phase, is about 30 years old. The papers for this special issue focus mainly on this period. During these years, many trends have emerged in mathematics education to address the complex problems facing Brazilian society. However, most Brazilian mathematics educators feel that the separation of research into trends is a theoretical idealization that does not respond to the dynamics of the problems we face. We raise the conjecture that the complexity of Brazilian society, where pockets of wealth coexist with the most shocking poverty, has contributed to the adoption and generation of different strands in mathematics education, crossing the boundaries between trends. At a more micro level, we also raise the conjecture that Brazilian trends in research are interwoven because of the way that Brazilian mathematics educators have experienced the process of globalization over these 30 years. This tapestry of trends is a predominant characteristic of mathematics education in Brazil. © FIZ Karlsruhe 2009.

As disputas em torno do ensino primário rural (São Paulo, 1931-1947)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A educação rural no México como referência para o Brasil

In the 1940’s and 1950’s the Brazilian government implemented various policies towards the development of rural education adopting innovative orientations experienced in other iberoamerican countries. This article covers a study on the circulation and appropriation of education models seeking to apprehend the implications of the comparative operations by questioning the national processes in their interrelationship with much more ample phenomena of internationalization and globalization. The article uses as source of analysis the document entitled “Rural Education in Mexico” elaborated by Manoel Bergstrom Lourenço Filho, in 1951, and later published in a Brazilian Magazine of Pedagogical Studies, in 1952. The article discusses the narrative construction of this report and the comparing operations which Lourenço Filho has undertook presenting the Mexican education as a model.

The Development of Science Education Research in Brazil and Contributions from the History and Philosophy of Science

Over the last 50 years a new research area, science education research, has arisen and undergone singular development worldwide. In the specific case of Brazil, research in science education first appeared systematically 40 years ago, as a consequence of an overall renovation in the field of science education. This evolution was also related to the political events taking place in the country. We will use the theoretical work of Rene Kaes on the development of groups and institutions as a basis for our discussion of the most important aspects that have helped the area of science education research develop into an institution and kept it operating as such. The growth of this area of research can be divided into three phases: The first was related to its beginning and early configurations; the second consisted of a process of consolidation of this institution; and the third consists of more recent developments, characterised by a multiplicity of research lines and corresponding challenges to be faced. In particular, we will analyse the special contributions to this study gleaned from the field known as the history and philosophy of science.

Ensino primário tipicamente rural no Estado de São Paulo: um estudo sobre as Granjas Escolares, os Grupos Escolares Rurais e as Escolas Típicas Rurais (1933-1968)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)