MAVI – Mathematical Views
The MAVI network works to promote affect-related topics within mathematics education, such as attitudes, beliefs, emotions, identity, interest, meaning, motivation, values, well-being and similar matters. Since its first conference in 1995, the network has brought together researchers from all over Europe to exchange ideas and develop new perspectives in the field.
Background of the MAVI conference
Prof. Dr. Günter Törner and Prof. Dr. Erkki Pehkonen arranged the first MAVI conference. It occurred at the University of Duisburg on October 4th and 5th, 1995. The basis was a cooperation project of the University of Helsinki and the University of Duisburg, which was financed by the Finnish Academy and the German Exchange Service (DAAD). At that time, a vivid movement around research on mathematical beliefs started in Europe. This cooperation lead to the publication of the book: Leder, G.C.; Pehkonen, E. & Törner, G. (2002). Beliefs: A Hidden Variable in Mathematics Education? Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
The aim was to study and examine the mathematical-didactic questions that arise from research on mathematical beliefs and mathematics education. The field of research has changed significantly since the first MAVI conference. New facets continue to stimulate researchers to deal with these and related contexts.
MAVI conferences have taken place in numerous locations around Europe. A key feature of the conferences is the attendance of young researchers, who value the opportunity to present their research. Similarly, experienced researchers attend MAVI to exchange ideas with others.
MAVI – Board
The board of MAVI is a continuation of the commitment of distinguished Professors Günter Törner and Erkki Pehkonen. The academic activities within the MAVI group are coordinated by a Board so that continuous planning and coordination are enabled, including the subsequent conferences. Since 2020, this idea has been realised, and four to five academics from different universities have been included in the MAVI Board.
This board has agreed to meet regularly to discuss coordination issues.
- It supports LOCs on MAVI conference-related matters, enabling the host universities of MAVI to receive assistance with recurring organisational issues and the design of the MAVI meetings.
- It coordinates the publication of MAVI proceedings. In the past, each host university had to negotiate with potential publishers. Nowadays, MAVI has established long-term cooperation with Lumat.
- It supports the entire community in striving to fulfil a linking function. It serves as a contact point for any suggestions they wish to contribute to discussions within the MAVI group.
- It considers medium-term planning for upcoming conferences and encourages new hosts and partners for future meetings.
- Thematic coordination in the MAVI spirit should extend beyond individual studies to collaborative efforts concerning theoretical and empirical issues related to mathematics-related affect. This involves striking a balance between new perspectives and emerging ideas on one hand, while, on the other, respecting MAVI’s traditions and identity.
About the Annual Conference MAVI
There are two main aims of the conference:
Share your research
The first aim is to share research on affect-related topics within mathematics education such as attitudes, beliefs, emotions, identity, interest, meaning, motivation, values, well-being and similar matters. You can share theoretical and/or empirical research, and we welcome contributions regarding learning, teaching, or applying mathematics at any educational level or within the workplace.
Engage in discussions
The second aim of the conference is to engage in extensive academic discussions on the topics presented. Thus, it is at the heart of the MAVI spirit that there will be ample time for these in-depth discussions.
Past events
- 28th International Mathematical Views Conference , Gijon, Spain
- 29th International Mathematical Views Conference, Vercelli, Italy
- 30th International Mathematical Views Conference, Freiburg, Germany
Upcoming event
We are pleased to announce that the 31st International Mathematical Views Conference MAVI will be held from September 17 to 19, 2025, at Linnaeus University in the city of Växjö, Sweden.
MAVI - Mathematical Views
The MAVI network is a European research network exploring mathematics-related attitudes and beliefs. Through annual conferences, it fosters academic exchange, especially between young and experienced researchers.