Search

This paper presents a theoretical model for the study of mathematical talent, grounded in the Anthropological Theory of Didactics (ATD) and the notion of creativity. This model proposes two components of creative mathematical activity: the mathematical component, which supports mathematical techniques; and the creative component, defined by four functions: producing new techniques, optimizing techniques, considering tasks from different angles, and adapting a technique. Based on the theoretical model and a reference epistemological model on infinite sequences, a learning design comprising six problem situations was developed and then implemented in an institution established to foster mathematical talent. The analysis of two tasks performed by a pair of children offers a case study that illustrates how tackling challenging tasks of the same kind, in a favorable institutional setting, makes it possible to develop mathematical talent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the classification methods for mathematical problems in textbooks (Fan & Zhu, 2000) and strategies used to solve problems (Fan & Zhu, 2007), this paper reports the results of an analysis and classification of the type of mathematical problems and problem-solving strategies in a sample made up of the five most widely-used mathematics textbooks for the first year of junior high school in the 2013- 2014 school year in Mexico. It is concluded that the textbooks focus on providing a comprehensive range of problems that, for the most part, do not allow multiple problem-solving strategies, whereas others can be solved using an algorithm or direct procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers the results of an analysis of the level of mathematical anxiety, understood to mean a feeling of discomfort experienced when someone is required to take mathematics classes, as displayed in students of secondary education in Costa Rica. The study was performed with a sample of 3,725 students in public secondary education in Costa Rica in 2013. The results show statistically significant differences between the sexes in the level of mathematical anxiety, with female students experiencing moderately higher anxiety levels. Differences in anxiety levels are also determined by the student's educational level, with significant differences found between third-cycle students (7th, 8th and 9th grades) and diversified education students (10th and 11th grades); the latter displayed moderately higher anxiety levels. Nonetheless, the study concludes that despite the differences observed, only 22.4% of students show high or very high levels of mathematical anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]