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Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education pp 593–634Cite as

Obstacles to the Dissemination of Mathematics Education Research

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Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 10))

Abstract

Mathematics education research has often been undertaken with an expectation that the results would have some influence on teachers’ practice and on educational policies including curriculum, but numerous obstacles seem to limit that influence. This investigation of the topic begins by exploring the meanings of the words obstacles, dissemination, mathematics, education, and research. In section 2, the development process and the relationship between research, policy, and practice are examined. Next, some variables that influence change are considered. In the fourth section, some of the obstacles are discussed under the headings ‘research and researchers’, ‘teachers and schools’, and ‘systems’. Finally, three strategies for the future are suggested; these relate to communication and complexity, changing the development model, and extending the boundaries of research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Open University, UK

    Andy Begg

  2. University of Alberta, Canada

    Brent Davis

  3. University of Newcastle, UK

    Rod Bramald

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  1. Andy Begg
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  2. Brent Davis
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  3. Rod Bramald
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Australia

    Alan J. Bishop

  2. Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei

    M. A. Clements

  3. Free University of Berlin, Germany

    Christine Keitel

  4. University of Georgia, Athens, USA

    Jeremy Kilpatrick

  5. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Frederick K. S. Leung

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Begg, A., Davis, B., Bramald, R. (2003). Obstacles to the Dissemination of Mathematics Education Research. In: Bishop, A.J., Clements, M.A., Keitel, C., Kilpatrick, J., Leung, F.K.S. (eds) Second International Handbook of Mathematics Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0273-8_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0273-8_20

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