Elementary knowledge of mathematics in primary school in the state of Bahia

Abstract

This article aims principally to present the research developed in the State of Bahia/Brazil by the study group in mathematics education (GEEM)1, sponsored by the National Research Council (CNPq) and the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB)2. It is noteworthy that this research integrates the international scope project developed in partnership with the research group: History of Mathematics Education (GHEMAT)3. Our timespan comprises the period from 1890 to 1970, when we investigated the development of the elementary knowledge of mathematics, namely arithmetics, geometry and drawing, existing in primary schools. Initially the work focused on the search and the scanning of legislation and regulatory requirements of the State; in a second moment, we have focused on finding pedagogical journals that circulated in the state; and finally, identifying and scanning the listed books that circulated in the state.