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Mathematical Modelling as a Professional Activity: Lessons for the Classroom

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Book cover Mathematical Modelling and Applications

Abstract

This chapter presents a discussion about similarities and differences between working with mathematical modelling in ‘school’ and mathematical modelling as a ‘professional task’ in the workplace based on empirical and theoretical research studies. Issues discussed concern goals; technology; division of labour, communication and collaboration; model construction, including the application and adaption of predefined models; projects; and risks involved in using the models. Based on this discussion and examples from innovative teaching practices, approaches to simulate modelling as a ‘professional activity’ in educational settings are explored and exemplified with a role-play activity.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, SE-581 83, Linköping, Sweden

    Peter Frejd

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  1. Peter Frejd
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

    Gloria Ann Stillman

  2. University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany

    Werner Blum

  3. University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Gabriele Kaiser

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Frejd, P. (2017). Mathematical Modelling as a Professional Activity: Lessons for the Classroom. In: Stillman, G., Blum, W., Kaiser, G. (eds) Mathematical Modelling and Applications. International Perspectives on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62968-1_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62968-1_31

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62968-1

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