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Networking of Theories—An Approach for Exploiting the Diversity of Theoretical Approaches

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Theories of Mathematics Education

Part of the book series: Advances in Mathematics Education ((AME))

Abstract

Internationally, mathematics education research is shaped by a diversity of theories. This contribution suggests an approach for exploiting this diversity as a resource for richness by the so-called networking of theories. For being able to include different traditions, this approach is based on a tolerant and dynamic understanding of theories that conceptualizes theories in their dual character as frame and as result of research practices. Networking strategies are presented in a landscape, linearly ordered according to their degree of integration. These networking strategies can contribute to the development of theories and their connectivity and, hence, offer an interesting research strategy for the didactics of mathematics as scientific discipline.

This article is built upon a synthesis of two articles that formerly appeared in ZDM: Bikner-Ahsbahs, A., & Prediger, S. (2006). Diversity of theories in mathematics education—How can we deal with it?, ZDM, 38(1), 52–57, and Prediger, S., et al. (2008b). Networking strategies and methods for connecting theoretical approaches—First steps towards a conceptual framework, ZDM, 40(2), 165–178.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department 03 for Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Angelika Bikner-Ahsbahs

  2. Institute for Development and Research in Mathematics Education, University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

    Susanne Prediger

Authors
  1. Angelika Bikner-Ahsbahs
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  2. Susanne Prediger
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Correspondence to Angelika Bikner-Ahsbahs .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Mathematical Sciences, University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, 59812-0864, U.S.A.

    Bharath Sriraman

  2. Centre for Learning Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Australia

    Lyn English

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Bikner-Ahsbahs, A., Prediger, S. (2010). Networking of Theories—An Approach for Exploiting the Diversity of Theoretical Approaches. In: Sriraman, B., English, L. (eds) Theories of Mathematics Education. Advances in Mathematics Education. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00742-2_46

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00742-2_46

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