Digital Commons @ SPU

Switching on Student Thinking in Mathematics: Cognitive and Cultural Challenges and Solutions

U.S. students often believe that learning mathematics requires memorization, not thinking. But if students don’t think, they will never understand mathematics. We know from cross-national comparisons that teaching and learning are cultural activities. Countries that achieve high levels of understanding in math do not share specific actions. Instead, they, each in their own way, create learning opportunities for students that allow time for practicing thinking. But, it turns out to be very hard to create such opportunities. So we will review the evidence on the role of thinking in mathematics learning: why it is important, why it is hard, and what it will take to engage students in deeper learning of mathematics.