Using workplace practice to inform curriculum change

We report here implications for curriculum and pedagogy drawn from the research project Using College Mathematics in Understanding Workplace Practice. This project investigated how the practices of a range of workers might be understood by 'outsiders' using mathematics. In this paper we therefore look to the world of work and ask how this might inform mathematics curricula so that future workers may perhaps be better equipped to use mathematical thinking in the workplace. Many of the suggested changes may be considered mathematical modelling and problem solving skills and attitudes. We use our case study evidence to support and illustrate our call for these to be included in mathematics curricula. © Horwood Publishing Limited, 2003. All Rights Reserved.