A PUBLIC lecture was held yesterday at the University of Brunei Darussalam to deal with the topic, “Mathematical Activity with Innovation of Technology in Japan: Twentieth Century World Mathematics Education Reforms”.

An Associate Professor at the Centre for Research on International Cooperation in Education Department at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, Professor Masami Isoda, gave the talk.

In his talk, Professor Isoda illustrated the Japanese experience of mathematics education from the viewpoint of mathematical activity and technology, and presented the ideas and perspectives of mathematicians for the necessary incorporation of technology in mathematics education this century.

In an interview, Professor Isoda said, “If we study mathematics, we have good imagination to see the world in a different way. Multiplication is a good understandable example for everyone. Based on mathematical ideas, we see the world in a different way.”

“If we develop good mathematical thinking we can use the mathematics in daily life and make our lives much more simple.”

How important: “Depending on the subject, the intuitions are different. So, to develop the intuitions what is important is considering why, and at the same time, practice.”

“It is very much important to understand the meanings and values of those ideas, as well as to practice.”
Professor Isoda is also currently the Director and Chief Editor ofthe Japan Society of Mathematical Education in Japan, and is also the Director of the National Projects for Educational Cooperation at the ministry of Education in Japan.

He is vastly experienced, having published his work extensively in Japanese, English and Spanish, and has written collaborative works with major mathematicians in Italy, Chile, Singapore and Australia.

A teacher from Meragang Sixth Form Centre, Michael Yapp, who attended the talk, was quoted as saying: “I think his point was basically getting us into thinking why we solve mathematical problems via a formula and not through intuition.”

“When speaking about intuition, you’re talking about observation, deduction and construction. It’s about using the same idea rather than creating a formula.”

“It means to be less of a theorist and solve by intuition. Rather than giving a formula, let people figure it out.”
The talk was held to share the perspectives of mathematics education in today’s knowledge-based society, and was focused on the 20th century world reform movements of mathematics education from the viewpoint of technological innovation.

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