Plenary Lecture
The use of technology in developing mathematical modelling skills
John Berry,
Centre for Teaching Mathematics, University of Plymouth
An important part of teaching and learning mathematics at all levels of education is the
development of the skills needed to solve "real problems". The process of solving real-world
problems in mathematics is called mathematical modelling.
It can be summarised by the following diagram:
Technology has an important role to play in this process. The use of software and calculators are
natural in the solution phase. It is now well established that the formulation phase of mathematical
modelling represents the ?bottleneck? stage of the modelling process. Helping students to develop
good problem solving skills often involves much time and effort in this phase. Data logging equipment
is a powerful means of collecting and analysing data as part of the Interpretation phase of the
process.
The aim of this plenary lecture is to reflect on ways that we can bring technology to the teaching,
learning and assessing mathematical skills.
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The Fifth International
Conference on Technology
in Mathematics Teaching
