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Images of abstraction in mathematics education: Contradictions, controversies, and convergences
Scheiner, Thorsten Pinto, Márcia M. F.
Scheiner, Thorsten
Pinto, Márcia M. F.
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Abstract
In this paper we offer a critical reflection of the mathematics education literature on abstraction. We explore several explicit or implicit basic orientations, or what we call images, about abstraction in knowing and learning mathematics. Our reflection is intended to provide readers with an organized way to discern the contradictions, controversies, and convergences concerning the many images of abstraction. Given the complexity and multidimensionality of the notion of abstraction, we argue that seemingly conflicting views become alternatives to be explored rather than competitors to be eliminated. We suggest considering abstraction as a constructive process that characterizes the development of mathematical thinking and learning and accounts for the contextuality of students’ ideas by acknowledging knowledge as a complex system.
Keywords
Date
2016
Type
Conference item
Journal
Book
Proceedings of the 40th Conference of the International Group for Psychology of Mathematics Education
Volume
Issue
Page Range
155-162
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education (ILSTE)
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
DOI
Event URL
Open Access Status
Open access
License
File Access
Open