Financial Mathematics in Czech Textbooks from the Marchets's Reform

Title: Financial Mathematics in Czech textbooks from the Marchet's Reform Author: Martin Melcer Department: Department of Mathematics Education Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Martina Bečvářová, Ph.D. Abstract: The PhD thesis presents a comprehensive view of the development and the position of financial mathematics in Czech textbooks and collections particularly those used in high schools with consideration of the political situation in our country. The analysed period from 1908, i.e. from the Marchet's Reform, to the present is divided into five principal stages. In each stage textbooks covering financial mathematics instruction in all types of secondary schools are chosen. This shows the level and extent of the presentation, the complexity of the given tasks and problems and the way in which they are integrated into the textbooks or the syllabus, more precisely. At first the basic general characteristics of the textbooks are presented followed by a detailed description of partial topics of study which are then analysed thoroughly and mutually compared. The conclusions of the PhD thesis reflect the current situation of financial mathematics instruction and offer ways leading to the improvement in the level of financial literacy of our citizens. Keywords: financial mathematics, principal, interest, debt, annuity,..