In a challenging and constantly changing world, students are required to develop advanced
thinking skills such as critical systematic thinking, decision making and problem solving. This
challenge requires developing critical thinking abilities which are essential in unfamiliar
situations. A central component in current reforms in mathematics and science studies worldwide
is the transition from the traditional dominant instruction which focuses on algorithmic cognitive
skills towards higher order cognitive skills. The transition includes, a component of scientific
inquiry, learning science from the student's personal, environmental and social contexts and the
integration of critical thinking. The planning and implementation of learning strategies that
encourage first order thinking among students is not a simple task. In an attempt to put the
importance of this transition in mathematical education to a test, we propose a new method for
mathematical instruction based on the infusion approach put forward by Swartz in 1992. In fact,
the model is derived from two additional theories., that of Ennis (1989) and of Libermann and
Tversky (2001). Union of the two latter is suggested by the infusion theory. The model consists of
a learning unit (30h hours) that focuses primarily on statistics every day life situations, and
implemented in an interactive and supportive environment. It was applied to mathematically
gifted youth of the Kidumatica project at Ben Gurion University. Among the instructed subjects
were bidimensional charts, Bayes law and conditional probability; Critical thinking skills such as
raising questions, seeking for alternatives and doubting were evaluated. We used Cornell tests
(Ennis 1985) to confirm that our students developed critical thinking skills.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:DRESDEN/oai:qucosa.de:bsz:14-qucosa-79308 |
| Date | 11 April 2012 |
| Creators | Aizikovitsh, Einav, Amit, Miriam |
| Contributors | HTW Dresden, Informatik, Mathematik |
| Publisher | Saechsische Landesbibliothek- Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Dresden |
| Source Sets | Hochschulschriftenserver (HSSS) der SLUB Dresden |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | doc-type:conferenceObject |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Proceedings of the tenth International Conference Models in Developing Mathematics Education. - Dresden : Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft, 2009. - S. 19 - 22 |
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