1. Cognitive Psychology and the Mathematics Laboratory. Papers from a Symposium.
- Author
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ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education, Columbus, OH. and Lesh, Richard
- Abstract
This volume records the papers presented at a Northwestern University symposium concerning the articulation of cognitive psychology with mathematics education. Piagetian theories are described and extended to classroom applications in several of the papers; other psychological theories such as information processing are also discussed. All of the papers are concerned with students' learning mathematics in an active environment. Charles Smock's paper addresses the ways in which students organize mathematical ideas. Related to this question is Max Bell's paper on the role of applications in learning mathematics; Professor Bell explores the question of whether concepts must precede applications, or, conversely, application is a necessary part of the learning of concepts. Zoltan Dienes' discussion of finite geometries and Robert Davis' consideration of computer-assisted mathematics laboratories carry this theme further. The extension of Piaget's research to concepts ordinarily taught in the mathematics classroom, and to the development of children between the stages of concrete and formal operations is discussed by Leslie Steffe. The related issue of using Piagetian tasks in educational diagnosis is also discussed by Davis. An overview of psychological research as related to mathematics education, especially in the area of problem solving, is provided in Harry Beilin's paper. (SD)
- Published
- 1974