ETC 7: Language in the Mathematics Classroom, University of Montpellier. Language and Mathematics Education (LME)

• Rationale for the conference

• Pre-conference day & conference

  • Organization

  • Program

Rationale for the conference

In the context of the ERME Handbook project, the survey of two decades of ERME research in the field of mathematics and language has revealed a predominance of classroom-based research. Since the inception of ERME, within the working group titled “Social Interaction in Mathematical Learning Situations” and in the current working group, “Mathematics and Language” (TWG09), the study of language has shifted from distinguishing between the language of the teacher, the language of the students, and the language of mathematics, toward a more integrated understanding, with research focusing on language in interaction and the role of language in meaning-making. This is exemplified by the changes in the number of papers and presentations at ETC4 and at CERME11 (Utrecht, 2019), where a growing number of classroom-based papers were presented and discussed during the sessions.

In order to understand the current state of the field and move forward, we need to carefully examine the complexities involved in conceptualizing language in this integrated way. In-depth discussion, informed by both existing research and new work in the field, has the potential to situate emerging research and new directions within the context of the field’s progress and needs.

The conference aims to foster a vibrant discussion environment. The participation of senior researchers alongside postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students is also a key priority.

First Announcement and Call for Papers

Organization and program

Organization

YERME Pre-Conference Day

In order to promote and support young researchers (where “young” refers to those new to the field of mathematics education and language), the conference is preceded by a pre-conference day during which young researchers can discuss their projects with members of the IPC and gain a structured overview of the current state of the field.

The afternoon of the^18this reserved for young researchers only.

Conference

The main theme of the ETC, “Language in the Mathematics Classroom,” is organized into the following overlapping subthemes (ST):

• ST1: Language in Multilingual Contexts
• ST2: Language for Meaning-Making
• ST3: Language in Interaction

These subthemes cover the main areas of focus in most of the papers presented at CERME11. ST1 includes papers in which the multilingual nature of the context is the focus of the discussion. Papers that focus more on the conceptual understanding of specific mathematical ideas—such as multiplication, angles, or proof—are grouped under ST2. ST3 consists of papers that focus on classroom interactions and discursive practices, such as argumentation or explanation.

Between 20 and 40 submissions for active contributions in the working sessions were expected. The sessions are divided into 2–3 subgroups per session. Communication among participants and across the various subthemes is encouraged through flexible groupings in different sessions. There are also sessions that focus on themes that cut across the subthemes, such as implications for teacher education or research design. The majority of the scientific program consists of discussions in small working groups (5 sessions of 2 hours each). Two plenary sessions are also planned to establish the theme, and a commentary panel will be convened to formulate questions and identify interesting topics drawn from the working sessions with a view to advancing the field.

Working sessions are organized into three working groups corresponding to the different subthemes (ST1: Language in multilingual contexts, ST2: Language for meaning-making, and ST3: Language in interaction).

Participants are expected to attend all five sessions of the subtheme they choose. Papers and posters will be discussed in each group, and participants are expected to have read the papers before attending the sessions.

All academic activities will take place at the Faculty of Education at the University of Montpellier.

Program

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Download the ETC 7 Timetable