Teaching and Learning Mathematics: Research and Practice for the 21st Century

The mathematical activity is an original and natural element of the human condition. The article at hand discusses and analyzes the recent trends of the research and practice for teaching and learning mathematics, where the socio- cultural theories have been highly influential in addressing the mathematical knowledge. Among others, a particular emphasis is given to the required learning skills of the 21st century, to the profile of the competent teacher of mathematics and to the importance of the communities of practice for the teaching and learning of mathematics, especially for the developing countries.