IISER MOHALI

Abstract: Usually, mathematics is taught and perceived as a collection of definitions, axioms, theorems, and proofs. However, knowing the “polished” products is just one aspect of learning mathematics. Another aspect which is commonly ignored while teaching and learning mathematics is the process of its making. Integrating historical and epistemological issues in mathematics teaching and learning is a way for understanding mathematics in the making along with its obstacles and successes. This may help us understand specific parts of mathematics better and we can become more deeply aware of what mathematics as a discipline is and how it grows. In this talk, we look at some experiences during teachers’ workshops where the teachers were exposed to the history of numerations and how that helps us understand difficulties children face while learning numbers.