Published in 1981, Psychology of Mathematics for Instruction is a valuable contribution to the field of Education.

Published in 1981, Psychology of Mathematics for Instruction is a valuable contribution to the field of Education.

This book offers an innovative introduction to the psychological basis of mathematics and the nature of mathematical thinking and learning, using an approach that empowers students by fostering their own construction of mathematical structures. Through accessible and engaging writing, award-winning mathematician and educator Anderson Norton reframes mathematics as something that exists first in the minds of students, rather than something that exists first in a textbook. By exploring the psychological basis for mathematics at every level—including geometry, algebra, calculus, complex analysis, and more—Norton unlocks students’ personal power to construct mathematical objects based on their own mental activity and illustrates the power of mathematics in organizing the world as we know it. Including reflections and activities designed to inspire awareness of the mental actions and processes coordinated in practicing mathematics, the book is geared toward current and future secondary and elementary mathematics teachers who will empower the next generation of mathematicians and STEM majors. Those interested in the history and philosophy that underpins mathematics will also benefit from this book, as well as those informed and curious minds attentive to the human experience more generally.

Compilation of the research produced by the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) since its creation in 1976. The first three sections summarize cognitively-oriented research on learning and teaching specific content areas, transversal areas, and based on technology-rich environments. The fourth section is devoted to the research on social, affective, cultural and cognitive aspects of mathematics education. The fifth section includes two chapters summarizing the PME research on teacher training and professional life of mathematics teachers.

This classic text presents problems of learning and teaching mathematics from both a psychological and mathematical perspective. The Psychology of Learning Mathematics, already translated into six languages (including Chinese and Japanese), has been revised for this American Edition to include the author's most recent findings on the formation of mathematical concepts, different kinds of imagery, interpersonal and emotional factors, and a new model of intelligence. The author contends that progress in the areas of learning and teaching mathematics can only be made when such factors as the abstract and hierarchical nature of mathematics, the relation to mathematical symbolism and the distinction between intelligent learning and rote memorization are taken into account and instituted in the classroom.

This volume is a compilation of the research produced by the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME) since its creation, 30 years ago. It has been written to become an essential reference for Mathematics Education research in the coming years.

First Published in 1987. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.