This study aims to explore a phenomenon of a one-off manifestation of mathematical creativity on the part of a student, against the background of her normative and not especially creative behavior--a flash of creativity. We seek to elaborate on this phenomenon in terms of the 4P (person, press, process and product) model of creativity. Namely,…

In this article, South Africa provides an "outlier" case study that illuminates the tensions that exist between interventions, aimed at tailoring initiatives to the vastly unequal contexts of schooling, and the systemic "one size fits all" interventions of the state. I draw on the experiences of two teachers involved in an…

In most epistemologies, practical actions and speech are the consequences of thought. In this study, I provide three case studies of highly educated scientists producing aspects of graphs only to erase these as soon as they have been drawn. The case studies are consistent with an alternative approach, already formulated by L. S. Vygotsky and M.…

This article discusses the integration of history of modern applied mathematics in mathematics education as well as the possible teaching and learning benefits of introducing a newer history of mathematics over an old(er) one--something that seems to be done most often when integrating history. Three cases of the history of modern applied…

Understanding and reporting students' affective experiences with mathematics is difficult if those experiences do not resonate with personal experiences. Utilising fiction-writing in narrative reporting can be a technique that helps both the researcher and the reader of the research report to immerse themselves in the student's experiential world.…

Argues that inventions are of the utmost importance in knowledge development, and that conventions play an important role in inventions by providing support for their development. This position borrows from Piaget's perspective regarding figurative and operative aspects of thought. Contains 22 references. (DDR)

Considers how the domains of mathematics education and history of mathematics may interact in the process of mathematics teaching. Focuses on the teachers' role and explores the relationship between research in mathematics education and the history of mathematics. Contains 24 references. (DDR)

Speculates on whether our knowledge of a mathematical topic is really the same as the knowledge of the topic held by our mathematical ancestors centuries ago. Provides specific examples of using the cultural context of mathematics as an instructional strategy. (DDR)

Reports on a case study of a student who constructs formalism not from processes of quantification, but from his own visuospatial imagery. Rather than construct new objects from cognitive processes, the student reflects on mental objects already in mind and refines them to build an interpretation of the formal theory. This example leads to…

Presents a case study as a framework within which to discuss the concepts of function and their representations. (KHR)

Examined the effects of disruptive behavior in mathematics classes. Reported a case study of 31 Greek students considered to be very difficult. Concluded that an alternative approach toward students' concerns--based on human communication, discussion, and negotiation--improved classroom behavior in general. (MDH)

Presents a theoretical framework for mathematics teaching research based on a content analysis of Psychology of Mathematics Education proceedings since 1979 and a selection of work outside mathematics education. Discusses the relationship between teachers' beliefs and teacher practice, the relationship between teachers' beliefs and innovation, and…

Analyzes case study data of 10 low achieving students, ages 14-15, to examine the effects of participation in computer spreadsheet sessions on their understanding of mathematical symbols. Participation improved students' attitudes toward problem solving. (MDH)

Presents two case studies from a book by Lusiane Weyl-Kailey in which she addresses the learning problems of 14-year-old boys from either a psychoanalytic perspective or a mathematical perspective, depending upon her diagnosis of the boys' problems. (MDH)

Case studies of elementary school and college students are used to examine the different styles of approach taken to computer programing. Introduces the term "bricoleur" to describe programers who do not take a structured approach to programing. Discusses gender differences among programers. (MDH)