Chapter 1: The Character Of The Crisis

Ten years ago, if one were asked to give a report on developments in Mathematics Education, it could have been given in less than five minutes. That is not true today. One mathematician stated that we are on the brink of another revolution in Mathematics. Why?

While a great deal of mathematics material was developed since the 16th century, it is claimed that most of the mathematics in existence today was developed within the last 50 years. This enlarged body of knowledge must unavoidably affect the traditional mathematics curricula at the elementary and secondary levels.

Furthermore, mathematics is finding more applications outside the teaching and academic fields. Probability, statistical inference, finite mathematical structures, game theory, linear programming, numerical analysis, automation—all these indicate a change in the applications and useful purposes of mathematics. The social sciences are demanding a greater use of Mathematics.