The Fruitful Interplay Between Disciplinary, Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Teaching and Learning in Mathematics Education: Epistemological, Anthropological and Institutional Issues

A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102). This special issue belongs to the section "STEM Education".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 1310

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mathematics “Federigo Enriques”, University of Milan (Statale), 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: mathematics education; physics education; computer science education; interdisciplinarity; pre-service teacher education; in-service teacher education; digital mathematical discussion; didactics of combinatorics; didactics of calculus

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Guest Editor
Department of Mathematics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: interdisciplinary and transdiscilinary teaching; mathematics teacher education; teachers’ beliefs, views, and identity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches in mathematics education has the potential to transform teaching and learning by fostering deeper conceptual understanding, contextual relevance, and critical thinking. This Special Issue explores the interplay between these didactical paradigms, emphasizing their contributions to addressing epistemological, anthropological, and institutional challenges in mathematics education.

Disciplinary approaches provide a structured foundation for developing mathematical rigor, reasoning, and creativity, while interdisciplinary strategies connect mathematics to other domains, such as science, art, and technology, enhancing students' ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts. Transdisciplinary teaching goes beyond traditional boundaries, promoting holistic learning experiences that engage learners in solving complex, socially relevant problems. Together, these approaches enrich mathematics education by cultivating flexible and adaptive thinking.

This Special Issue invites contributions that examine the theoretical frameworks, practical implementations, and institutional policies that support or hinder the integration of these approaches. Key themes include the epistemological implications of crossing disciplinary boundaries, the anthropological dimensions of culturally responsive mathematics education, and the institutional shifts required to embrace innovative teaching practices. By highlighting successful examples and identifying persistent barriers, this Special Issue aims to inspire transformative practices that empower educators and learners in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Dr. Laura Branchetti
Dr. Gabriella Pocalana
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • mathematics education
  • disciplinary teaching
  • interdisciplinary teaching and learning
  • transdisciplinary teaching and learning
  • epistemological issues in mathematics education
  • institutional issues in mathematics education

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 582 KB  
Article
Interdisciplinary Conceptualizations of Variables and Parameters Through Narratives
by Eugenia Taranto, Sara Bagossi, Ferdinando Arzarello and Silvia Beltramino
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16020217 - 2 Feb 2026
Viewed by 486
Abstract
The concepts of variable and parameter are fundamental for mathematical activity but are also challenging to rigorously introduce at a didactic level. In this paper, we discuss findings from an 11th-grade class interdisciplinary project involving mathematics and linguistics, promoting a conceptual approach to [...] Read more.
The concepts of variable and parameter are fundamental for mathematical activity but are also challenging to rigorously introduce at a didactic level. In this paper, we discuss findings from an 11th-grade class interdisciplinary project involving mathematics and linguistics, promoting a conceptual approach to the learning of variables and parameters through narratives. We analyze the written productions of 22 Italian students across two tasks: the first aimed at exploring differences in the meaning of variables and parameters while employing a logico–scientific or narrative mode of thinking; the second involved a meta-reflection on the methodological tools used in the disciplines involved. Students’ productions were qualitatively analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis, respectively. The analysis enables an elaboration on students’ understanding of the different roles of variables and parameters and of their epistemic features. Students’ conceptualizations of variables and parameters went beyond formal description, drawing on a variety of real-world situations. Moreover, the meta-reflection on the methodological tools shows new awareness of students’ understanding of disciplinary concepts. These findings suggest that interdisciplinary approaches involving mathematics and linguistics can effectively support the conceptual understanding of algebraic notions in secondary school. We therefore recommend further research exploring the integration of narrative contexts and cross-disciplinary collaborations in mathematics teaching. Full article
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