European Didactic Traditions in Mathematics: Introduction and Overview

European traditions in the didactics of mathematics share some common features such as a strong connection with mathematics and mathematicians, the key role of theory, the key role of design activities for learning and teaching environments, and a firm basis in empirical research. In this first chapter, these features are elaborated by referring to four cases: France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. In addition, this chapter gives an overview on the other chapters of the book.