Mathematics and Beauty: Aesthetic Approaches to Teaching Children

Nathalie Sinclair

Teachers College Press | 2006 | 196 páginas |  pdf | 1 Mb

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Descrição: Nathalie Sinclair makes a compelling case for the inclusion of the aesthetic in the teaching and learning of mathematics, and illuminates how the materials and approaches we use in the mathematics classroom can be enriched for the benefit of all learners.

Contents

Foreword by William Higginson
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
Where Beautiful Mathematics Comes From
The Aesthetic as a Vital Lens on Learning
Plan for the Book
A Background Note
PART I: BEAUTY AND PLEASURE IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE
2. Reclaiming the Aesthetic from the Arts
The Fluidity of Human Faculties
The Aesthetic Nature of Inquiry
Connecting the Aesthetic to Learning: First Steps
Fitting the Pieces Together
3. "Wired" for Beauty and Pleasure
Homo Aestheticus
A "Sense of Order"
PART II: BEAUTY AND PLEASURE IN MATHEMATICS
4. Developing a Mathematical Aesthetic Lens
The Aesthetic
The Mathematical Aesthetic
The Mathematical Aesthetic in Action
The Aesthetics of Detachment
5. Aesthetics and the Development of Mathematics
Debriefing the Kissing Triangles
The Importance of the Mathematical Aesthetic
Fitting the Pieces Together
PART III: FOCUSING THE AESTHETIC LENS ON STUDENTS
6. The Motivational Role of the Aesthetic
The Aesthetic Dimension of Problem Selection
The Aesthetic Dimension of Problem Posing
Coloring with Numbers
Fitting the Pieces Together
7. The Generative Role of the Aesthetic
Three Cases of the Generative Role
Mindful Mathematics
Fitting the Pieces Together
8. The Evaluative Role of the Aesthetic
Which Solution Is Better?
Wonder and the Aesthetic
Valuing the Aesthetic
Fitting the Pieces Together: Aesthetics and Inquiry
PART IV: AESTHETIC ENCULTURATION
9. Peering Inside the Mathematics Culture
From Outside to Inside the Culture
What Do Mathematicians Value?
The Aesthetic Dimension of Mathematical Values
Mathematical Values in the Classroom
10. Mathematical Values in the Classroom
Revealing Values in Topics, Tasks, and Tools
Communicating Values in the Classroom
Notes
References
Index
About the Author