Using the history of mathematics in training adult numeracy teachers

Abstract

I work in the field of adult numeracy and at HIMED 2006 I gave a short presentation on how I have been using the history of mathematics in my teaching. Since this sector of education was not very familiar to most participants at the conference I began by setting the scene in which I work. I gave some examples of the history of mathematics that I use and the reasons I find it such a useful model. In this article I develop further how this work itself has been inspired by BSHM and the HIMED conferences.