344 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— A.* 



DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS (A*) 

 Saturday, September 4. 



Discussion on The unification of algebra in schools (lo.o). 



Prof. E. H. Neville. 



Mr. T. A. A. Broadbent. — The teaching of algebra in schools : an 

 introductory survey of the present situation (lo.io). 



Much recent research work, in geometry and in certain branches of 

 mathematical physics, for example, has shown an increased reliance on 

 algebra, and in particular on the axiomatic fundamentals of algebra. In 

 elementary school teaching, the groundwork concerning negative numbers, 

 complex numbers, and similar concepts, has been clarified. The main 

 problem in school teaching of algebra at the moment appears to be : Can 

 the school course in algebra be systematised and unified so as to present 

 with the university course a coherent body of doctrine, while at the same time 

 allowing a pupil who ceases to learn algebra at some stage of the school 

 course to feel that he has acquired the main ideas of a field of knowledge 

 rather than unrelated fragments of information ? 



Mr. G. L. Parsons. — Elementary algebra (10.30). 



Mr. M. H. A. Newman. — The course as seen from the University 

 (II. 10). 



Mr. W. J. Langford. — The teaching of algebra : limitations and 

 possibilities in the school (11.35). 



The School Certificate course and its effect on the teaching of algebra. 

 Lack of completeness in the topics of elementary algebra. 



New approach to the study of equations and series. The value of 

 ' problems ' as distinct from ' examples.' 



The transition to the more rigorous needs of the sixth form course. 

 Absence of opportunities for gaining technique. 



Analysis or algebra as the fundamental aim of advanced work in schools. 

 The effect of the Higher Certificate and Open Scholarship examinations. 

 The rival claims of two groups of pupils. Possibility of reconciling these 

 claims with its effect on the teaching of the subject. 



Need for an early treatment of complex number theory. 



Comments on some of the topics which receive little or no treatment 

 in the school course. 



General Discussion (12.0). 



Tuesday, September 7. 



Discussion on The bearing of higher geometry on the school course (lo.o). 



Prof. H. T. H. Piaggio. 



