Kaye Stacey' Helen Chick' and Margaret Kendal The University of Melbourne' Australia Abstract: This section reports on the organisation' procedures' and publications of the ICMI Study' The Future of the Teaching and Learning of Algebra. Key words: Study Conference' organisation' procedures' publications The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) has' since the 1980s' conducted a series of studies into topics of particular significance to the theory and practice of contemporary mathematics education. Each ICMI Study involves an international seminar' the "Study Conference"' and culminates in a published volume intended to promote and assist discussion and action at the international' national' regional' and institutional levels. The ICMI Study running from 2000 to 2004 was on The Future of the Teaching and Learning of Algebra' and its Study Conference was held at The University of Melbourne' Australia fromDecember to 2001. It was the first study held in the Southern Hemisphere. There are several reasons why the future of the teaching and learning of algebra was a timely focus at the beginning of the twenty first century. The strong research base developed over recent decades enabled us to take stock of what has been achieved and also to look forward to what should be done and what might be achieved in the future. In addition' trends evident over recent years have intensified. Those particularly affecting school mathematics are the "massification" of education-continuing in some countries whilst beginning in others-and the advance of technology.

Kaye Stacey' Helen Chick' and Margaret Kendal The University of Melbourne' Australia Abstract: This section reports on the organisation' procedures' and publications of the ICMI Study' The Future of the Teaching and Learning of Algebra. Key words: Study Conference' organisation' procedures' publications The International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI) has' since the 1980s' conducted a series of studies into topics of particular significance to the theory and practice of contemporary mathematics education. Each ICMI Study involves an international seminar' the "Study Conference"' and culminates in a published volume intended to promote and assist discussion and action at the international' national' regional' and institutional levels. The ICMI Study running from 2000 to 2004 was on The Future of the Teaching and Learning of Algebra' and its Study Conference was held at The University of Melbourne' Australia fromDecember to 2001. It was the first study held in the Southern Hemisphere. There are several reasons why the future of the teaching and learning of algebra was a timely focus at the beginning of the twenty first century. The strong research base developed over recent decades enabled us to take stock of what has been achieved and also to look forward to what should be done and what might be achieved in the future. In addition' trends evident over recent years have intensified. Those particularly affecting school mathematics are the "massification" of education-continuing in some countries whilst beginning in others-and the advance of technology.

Hospital palliative care teams have been established in rapidly increasing numbers over the last 20 years, as it has been recognized that hospices can never transfer the philosophy and practice of palliative care into the acute sector by simply existing; the often work as 'stand alone units' and remain outside mainstream medicine. However, it has become apparent that improving access to palliative care for patients in acute hospitals is not as easy as employing external palliative care specialists as consultants. Even setting up a team of professionals who work solely in a hospital will often not improve the care of the great majority of patients being treated there.
Based on the extensive experiences and knowledge of three clinicians in the area who have developed palliative care services in acute settings, this book provides those facing the same challenges with practical guidance and down to earth advice on a range of problems they might encounter. Using a problem focused and practical approach, Palliative Care in the Acute Hospital Setting: A Practical Guide is filled with case-based problems to help readers identify realistic, usable, everyday solutions. It also covers the skills and knowledge needed to help teams make progress in the hospital as well as outlining the best training to help them continue to flourish.
Written in an accessible style with short and focused chapters, this clearly laid out book helps readers find the information they need to tackle particular problems easily and with confidence. With a supportive outlook and covering the non-clinical management aspects of palliative care, this book is the ideal guide for palliative care specialists making the transfer from hospice to hospital, and for those setting up palliative care teams in the acute hospital setting.