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Other associations that support research and development in mathematics education

 

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological (FASTS)
A small amount from each the subscription of each Australian member of MERGA is forwarded to FASTS. FASTS is an umbrella body that represents the interests of scientists and technologists, including mathematicians and mathematics educators. FASTS works to influence science and technology policy for the economic, environmental and social benefit of Australia.
Aside from formal submissions to the government ministers, departments, standing committees, and inquiry bodies, FASTS published occasional papers and statements, contributes media releases, and assists its member societies as needed.  It organises forums and meetings as required, and its biggest event each year is Science Meets Parliament.
 

The International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

PME, established in 1976, is a group of researchers. PME is affiliated as subgroup to the ICMI, the International Commission on Mathematics Instruction (see below). PME has about 650 members from about 50 countries all over the world. The major goals of the group are:

  • to promote international contacts and the exchange of scientific information in the psychology of mathematics education;
  • to promote and stimulate interdisciplinary research in the aforesaid area, with the cooperation of psychologists, mathematicians and teachers;
  • to further a deeper insight into the psychological aspects of teaching and learning mathematics and the implications thereof.

Membership is open to people involved inactive research consistent with the aims of PME, or professionally interested in the results of such research. Membership is on an annual basis and depends on payment of the membership fees (US$ 40 or the equivalent in local currency) for the current year (January to December). Regional contact.

 

The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers

AAMT is the nation's premier organisation of mathematics teachers:

  • Supporting and enhancing the work of teachers
  • Promoting the learning of mathematics
  • Representing and promoting interests in mathematics education

The Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT) is a confederation of affiliated associations. It does not have a direct membership, except for overseas
institutions. Subsequently, membership to the AAMT is given after joining an appropriate affiliated association.Affiliated associations include:

The Royal Society of New Zealand

The RSNZ is an independent, national academy of sciences, a federation of some 60 scientific and technological societies, and individual members. It:

  • promotes a critical awareness of science and technology in schools, in industry and in society;
  • invests in excellence in people and ideas and put them to work as an inspiration to New Zealanders; and
  • administers several funds for science and technology, publishes eight journals, offers science advice to government, and fosters international scientific contact and co-operation.

RSNZ offers a New Zealand Science, Mathematics & Technology Teacher Fellowship Scheme.

 

The International Centre of Excellence for Education in Mathematics

The aims of ICE-EM include: 

  • to strengthen education in mathematics and its contemporary applications
  • to improve the mathematical sciences base through improved mathematics education in schools, undergraduate studies and research training

 

The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute

AMSI's mission is to become a nationally and internationally recognised centre for the mathematical sciences, providing service to its member institutions, improving the international competitiveness of Australian industry and commerce and enhancing the national level of school mathematics, by the provision and support of mathematical and statistical expertise.

  • to fund a range of initiatives, including developing new mathematics courseware for delivery through a network of Access Grid Rooms in universities
  • to provide professional development programs and teacher resources for schools and the VET/TAFE sector
  • to present intensive courses for industry practitioners and scientific researchers and carry out a national awareness campaign targeted at students and their parents.
  • to work collaboratively with the Australian Mathematics Trust to develop resources for teachers, students and the community.
  • to provide a mechanism for building mathematics interactions and promoting Australia's expertise internationally.

 

 

The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction

ICMI, was first established at the International Congress of Mathematicians in 1908. It is now an official commission of the International Mathematical Union, IMU. The members of ICMI are neither individuals nor organizations, agencies, etc., but countries. 
Each member is entitled to appoint a National Representative. ICMI, as a commission, is defined by two constituent components: the Executive Committee (EC) of ICMI, elected by the General Assembly of IMU for a four-year term, and the ICMI Representatives of the member states. The current ICMI Representative for Australia is Judy Mousley. The current ICMI Representative for New Zealand is Bill Barton. Bill is the president Elect of ICMI, elected for a 3-year term commencing in 2010.

ICMI's regular conference is ICME (see below).

 

The International Congress on Mathematical Education

The aim of the Congress is to present the current states and trends in mathematics education research and in the practice of mathematics teaching at all levels. The ICME conferences:

  • show what is happening in mathematics education worldwide, in terms of research as well as teaching practices;
  • inform about the problems of mathematics education around the world; and
  • enable participants to learn and benefit from recent advances in mathematics as a discipline.

ICME is held every four years under the auspices of ICMI. It is planned and organized by separate committees, which operate independently of ICMI. Each conference brings together researchers in mathematics education, teacher educators, practicing teachers, mathematicians, and others interested in mathematics education. In the years that ICME is held, PME is staged in a nearby city/country at a date that encourages attendance at both conferences.