Teaching Thinking through Mathematical Processes: A Review

Abstract

This paper focuses on seven mathematical processes that describe the action of doing mathematics. It is clear that doing mathematics means engaging in processes. These include: problem solving, reasoning and proving, tools and computational strategies, connecting, representation, and communication. The mathematical processes can be seen as the processes through which students think, acquire, and apply mathematical knowledge and skills in everyday use of mathematics. In mathematics instruction, students are largely unaware of the processes involved in mathematics which requires surface and deep thinking and addressing this issue is important. Therefore, mathematics teachers need to understand how the mathematical processes can be taught to improve student thinking and understanding of the subject. It is also recommended that a study be done on how self-efficacy beliefs of students in mathematics can be influenced by teaching of the mathematical processes.