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Commentary on vocational mathematics education: where mathematics education confronts the realities of people’s work

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Abstract

In this commentary I will address the notions of work, the need for innovation, and the role of workplace mathematics. I will then provide an overview of some of the complex issues that confront the subfield of vocational mathematics education with consequences for current and future workers, drawing in part on the work of Basil Bernstein. Finally, I will address the question of workplace research and offer some possible directions for future research, as well as implications for policy. Reflections on the articles included in this special issue will frame the discussion.

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Acknowledgements

This article is written as part of the research project Adults’ Mathematics: In Work and for School led by Prof. Tine Wedege, supported by the Swedish Research Council, 2011–2014.

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  1. Honorary Research Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Gail E. FitzSimons

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  1. Gail E. FitzSimons
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FitzSimons, G.E. Commentary on vocational mathematics education: where mathematics education confronts the realities of people’s work. Educ Stud Math 86, 291–305 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-014-9556-0

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