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Computation as a big idea in mathematics
Citation
Ho, W. K. (2023). Computation as a big idea in mathematics. Electronic Journal of Mathematics & Technology, 17(1), 1-23.
Abstract
Charles (2005) defines a Big Idea in Mathematics to be “a statement of an idea that is central to the learning of mathematics, one that links numerous mathematical understandings into a coherent whole” (p. 10). Therein, Charles listed a total of 21 Big Ideas – acknowledging the impossibility that all mathematicians and mathematics educators can agree on these – with the hope that they can be a starting point to initiate conversations. In this paper, we propose that ‘Computation’ can be added to this list of big ideas in mathematics and give compelling reasons to support our proposal. Additionally, we describe some implications of such an inclusion with particular emphasis on teaching and learning of mathematics at schools.
Date Issued
2023
Publisher
Mathematics and Technology, LLC
Journal
The Electronic Journal of Mathematics and Technology