This study aims at elaborating a well-established theoretical framework that distinguishes three modes of thinking in linear algebra: the analytic-arithmetic, the synthetic-geometric, and the analytic-structural mode. It describes and analyzes the bundle of signs produced by an engineering student during an interview, where she was asked to recall…

Units coordination, defined by Steffe (1992) as the mental distribution of one composite unit (i.e., a unit of units) "over the elements of another composite unit" (p. 264) is a powerful tool for modeling students' mathematical thinking in the context of whole number and fractional reasoning. This paper proposes extending the idea of a…

The generality requirement, or the requirement that a proof must demonstrate a claim to be true for all cases within its domain, represents one of the most important, yet challenging aspects of proof for students to understand. This article presents a multi-faceted framework for identifying aspects of students' work that have the potential to…

Research studies are abundant in pointing at how the transition from additive to multiplicative thinking acts as a core challenge for students' understanding of proportionality. This said, we have yet to understand how this transition can be supported, and there remains significant questions to address about how students experience it. Recent work…

This is an article about abstraction, generalization, and the beauty of mathematics. We claim that abstraction and generalization in of itself may very well be a beauty of the human mind. The fact that we humans continue to explore and expand mathematics is truly beautiful and remarkable. Many years ago, our ancestors understood that seven stones,…

The fact that the mathematics course is abstract, that it is not possible to associate it with daily life, and that it is impossible to concretize abstract expressions causes a prejudice against the this course and leads to a decrease in the academic achievements of students. It is seen that throughout history, various studies have been carried…

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Adelphi University engaged in a year-long program revision of its mathematics major, which was initiated by a longitudinal study and the publication of the 2015 Curriculum Guide by the MAA's Committee on Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics. This paper stands as a short story, so to speak, of…

A theoretical model describing young students' (Grades 1-3) functional-thinking modes was formulated and validated empirically (n = 345), hypothesizing that young students' functional-thinking modes consist of recursive patterning, covariational thinking, correspondence-particular, and correspondence-general factors. Data analysis suggested that…

Conventional coordinate systems are often considered representational tools for reasoning about mathematical concepts. However, researchers have shown that students experience persistent difficulties as they engage in graphing activity. Using examples from research and textbooks, we present a framework based on a conceptual analysis of the use of…

In the context of an analytical geometry, this study considers the mathematical understanding and activity of seven students analyzed simultaneously through two knowledge frameworks: (1) the Van Hiele levels (Van Hiele, 1986, 1999) and register and domain knowledge (Hibert, 1988); and (2) three action frameworks: the SOLO taxonomy (Biggs, 1999;…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) (CCSSI 2010) propose a new vision for the mathematics classroom with updated content standards and Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP). These practices are founded on NCTM processes (Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Representation, and Connections) and abilities…

Geometry is one of the branches of mathematics that we use in many areas of our daily life, perhaps without noticing. For this reason, individuals are geometric thinkers not only in geometry classes; but also in different areas of life. In that case, it is necessary for the individual to acquire geometric habits of mind. The purpose of this study…

Making sense of mathematical concepts and solving mathematical problems may demand different forms of reasoning. These could be either domain-based, such as algebraic, geometric or statistical reasoning, while others are more general such as inductive/deductive reasoning. This article aims at giving visibility to a particular form of reasoning…

The papers in the monograph address different topics related to mathematics teaching and learning processes which are of great interest to both students and prospective teachers. Some papers open new research questions, some show examples of good practice and others provide more information about earlier findings. The monograph consists of six…

This study concentrated on the characteristics of Grade 2 students' writing in mathematics class who used the Project M[superscript 2] units to learn geometry and measurement. Included in the study were students with high and low levels of content knowledge. Archived data from the Project M[superscript 2] study were analyzed to determine the…