Cultural contexts for European research and design practices in Mathematics Education

The authors and guest-authors of this contribution worked together to prepare a plenary panel at CERME9. Starting from acknowledging the diversity of cultural contexts in which we work, the following questions are addressed: What do we mean by cultural contexts in European Research in Mathematics Education?. How do cultural influences challenge the universality of research and design practices and their outcomes? Which (hidden) values in different cultural contexts influence research and design practices? How could cultural awareness among Mathematics Education researchers be raised? The authors give concrete examples of cultural differences and their impact on research and design practices in Mathematics Education. They address various cultural contexts, covering mathematics, classrooms, research community contexts and international comparisons. The centrality and nature of theories in addressing mathematics educational context are also discussed. Young researchers as guest-authors contribute further experiences and reflections. The joint reflection offers multiple suggestions for raising cultural awareness in Mathematics Education research and design practices and policy issues.