Conceptual Account of Mathematical Thinking: What, Why & How

Document Type : Research Paper

Abstract

All students can learn to think mathematically and increase the depth and complexity of their ideas as the main goal of mathematics education. However, there are various challenges in achieving this goal extensively in mathematics classrooms due to the need for conceptual Account of mathematical thinking. Therefore, this study intends to give a more clear account of what are the challenges of mathematical thinking, why they matter and how they might be overcomed. For this purpose, different approaches to mathematical thinking were systematically and critically reviewed. Among those, the paper emphasized on mathematician’s account of mathematical thinking and the ways in which, it can be transferred into teaching- learning activities, has articulated. In addition, the challenges of developing mathematical thinking are discussed. This paper has aimed to depict a more clear perspective for educational researchers in general and mathematics education researchers in particular. 

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