ERIC Number: EJ1472650
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: EISSN-2330-0582
Available Date: 0000-00-00
What "Is" a Mathematical Concept?
Martin A. Simon
Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, v118 n5 p336-345 2025
Mathematical concepts have been a consensus goal for decades, yet there is little consensus on what is meant by the terms "mathematical concept" and "mathematical understanding." This article attempts to discuss these terms in a way that can be of practical use to teachers. Greater clarity on "mathematical concept" would allow teachers to articulate the concept for themselves (i.e., the logical necessity of the relationship), and they would be in a much stronger position to design or adapt a conceptual lesson and facilitate and assess conceptual learning. Examples of conceptual lessons are provided.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Mathematical Concepts, Concept Formation, Teaching Methods, Instructional Design, Lesson Plans, Grade 6, Geometry, Teacher Student Relationship, Classroom Communication, Learning Activities
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: publicationsdept@nctm.org; Web site: https://pubs.nctm.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A