A Theoretical Characterisation of Service Mathematics

A qualitative study of Service mathematics in Irish universities was carried out by the author (OG) in order to examine the context, the practice and experience of Service mathematics teaching in Irish universities on recognition of the fact that Service mathematics was under-theorised (Gill, 2006). The findings were used to serve as a basis for developing a meaningful characterisation of Service mathematics in Irish Universities today. Also an effort was made to define more clearly the teaching/learning contract that exists between the actors in this sphere of activity. In addition the authors built on this preliminary profile to develop a theoretical model of Service mathematics teaching using Bernstein’s curriculum theory and aspects of Realistic Mathematics Education. In this paper the authors utilise this characterisation to define more clearly the classroom practices of university service mathematics classes in Ireland.