About this course: Learn how to think the way mathematicians do – a powerful cognitive process developed over thousands of years. Mathematical thinking is not the same as doing mathematics – at least not as mathematics is typically presented in our school system. School math typically focuses on learning procedures to solve highly stereotyped problems. Professional mathematicians think a certain way to solve real problems, problems that can arise from the everyday world, or from science, or from within mathematics itself. The key to success in school math is to learn to think inside-the-box. In contrast, a key feature of mathematical thinking is thinking outside-the-box – a valuable ability in today’s world. This course helps to develop that crucial way of thinking.
Who is this class for: This ten-week course is designed with two particular audiences in mind. First, people who want to develop or improve mathematics-based, analytic thinking for professional or general life purposes. Second, high school seniors contemplating a mathematics or math-related major at college or university, or first-year students at college or university who are thinking of majoring in mathematics or a math-dependent subject. To achieves this aim, the first part of the course has very little traditional mathematical content, focusing instead on the thinking processes required for mathematics. The more mathematical examples are delayed until later, when they are more readily assimilated.
Taught by: Dr. Keith Devlin, Co-founder and Executive Director
H-STAR institute
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | Expect to require at least 10 hours of study per week to complete this course satisfactorily. |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
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DM
This is a very well designed course which is essential for mathematicians as well as for those who want to use mathematical way of thinking (which is needed in most of the subjects ) in their life. It prepares a sound base for the ones who have mathematical aptitude but could not study mathematics in their life . In fact thinking mathematically is the modern and most effective way of dealing with the situations at hand and this course is most suited for this purpose. Thanks to the entire team of professors and others who have developed this course.