Historical Research in Mathematics Education: Methods and Challenges

Abstract:In this talk we will reflect on historical research in Mathematics Education, viewed as an approach that studies the evolution of mathematical concepts, methods, and practices over time, primarily with two objectives: epistemological understanding and didactic application. This approach combines the analysis of primary and secondary sources with current theoretical frameworks to design pedagogical strategies, and its methods include epistemological reconstructions and comparisons between historical and current representations. Although promising, it faces challenges such as balancing historical accuracy with didactic clarity and integrating multicultural perspectives. However, it not only enriches conceptual understanding, but also connects students with mathematics as a human, dynamic, and culturally diverse process. It is hoped to highlight the potential of history to design innovative strategies, inviting the exploration of emerging areas such as the digitization of historical sources.

Semblance:

Academic background:

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Universidad Veracruzana.
• Master of Science with a Specialty in Educational Mathematics from Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV) at IPN, under the supervision of Dr. Ricardo Cantoral.
• PhD in Mathematics Education from Universidad de Salamanca, under the supervision of Dr. Modesto Sierra Vázquez.

Institutional leadership:

• Full-time Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics of Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (UAGro) since 2007.
• Coordinator of the Master of Science in Educational Mathematics at the Faculty of Mathematics (2018-present), a program recognized for its connection with regional and national educational problems.
• Member of the National System of Researchers (SNII-Level I) by Secretaría de Ciencia, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI)
• Has been recognized as Desirable Profile PRODEP by Secretaría de Educación Pública.

Participation in academic societies and networks:

• Member of the Academic Core of the Master of Science in Educational Mathematics and the Doctorate in Science with a Specialization in Educational Mathematics.
• Member of the Education Commission of the Mexican Mathematical Society (SMM), she has been part of the Education Commission since 2022, promoting policies to improve mathematics teaching in Mexico.
• Coordinator of the Academic Group of Mathematics Education UAGRO-154.
• Co-founder in 2011 of Asociación Civil Red de Centros de Investigación en Matemática Educativa (Red Cimates), she has held the positions of secretary, treasurer, and from 2017 to 2019, she served as president of the Board of Directors of RED. She is currently a member of its editorial board.
• Currently: She coordinates VIII Congreso Iberoamericano de Historia de la Educación Matemática (CIHEM) will be held in the Port of Acapulco in November 2025. She is participating in the coordination of 2do Congreso internacional sobre Educación, Biotecnología e Inteligencia Artificial para la Innovación Empresarial (EBIA-IE). She is also coordinating Jornada Latinoamericana de talleres STEM para niñas y mujeres adolescentes (Ada Lovelace Day) hosted by Faculty of Mathematics of UAGro.