Course:MATH230/Archive/2010-2011/101/LearningObjectives

Learning Objectives

Mathematics is the activity that we will be doing, and the means by which we will be testing our ways of thinking and knowing. The ultimate goals, however, are

to develop an awareness of our thought processes, our perspectives, our feelings, and the meanings that we associate to the activities of doing mathematics.
to engage in, make sense of, consider the implications of, and appreciate the power and scope of the many aspects of mathematical thought
to acquire rich and productive sets of associations between facts, concepts, problems, problem solving strategies, thereby enabling fluidity and and facility with problem solving
to attend to the ways (large and small) in which mathematics enters into and influences our lives
to become aware of mathematics as a broad set of abilities, inclinations, habits, perspectives, perceptions, beliefs, and values.
to recognize that personal development and growth within areas of mathematics is possible and practical
to recognize the impact of feelings, perceptions, beliefs in shaping one’s ability to think and act in mathematical ways
to develop a perspective of mathematical identity encompassing historical self (past experiences and interactions with mathematics), present, and future (aspirations, plans, visions)
to appreciate mathematics as a Human endeavor, with historical, cultural, political, social significance
to develop confidence in approaching mathematics as a creative tool which can help us make sense in other studies, create art
to experience the satisfaction of solving challenging problems
to communicate mathematical ideas verbally and in writing