Trends and Prospects in Curriculum Research and Development : Recent Trends and Prospects in the Research on Mathematics Education in Japan

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the recent trends and to suggest some prospects in the research on mathematics education in Japan. Based on the works of specialists in each research domain/area in mathematics education, the reviews of the recent (1991-2000) research papers presented at the Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Mathematical Education for the ten years were summarized to show the recent trends, including results and issues. Then, the common prospects for some research domains/ areas in mathematics education were characterized by three key-words of "integration" of theory and practice, "cooperation" between researcher and teacher, among researchers, and among teachers, and "criticism" of theories and research results through a critical analysis. The prospects with the three concepts would be expected to promote the further development of research and practice in mathematics education in Japan.