Similarities and Differences in Mathematics Learning at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Levels
by
Gordon Knight
Massey University

In many years as a student, a teacher and a researcher in mathematics education, I have not read, or observed, anything which would lead me to reject the basic principle of constructivism: that students construct their own knowledge rather than receive it from the teacher. I am totally convinced that this applies at all ages and to all subject matter.

However, the way in which student knowledge of mathematics is constructed, and the nature of the resulting knowledge, clearly does vary. The purpose of this talk will be to discuss some of the factors which influence this variation at the different levels of the educational system.

Factors such as maturity, motivation and culture will all be discussed.

Date received: June 14, 1998