Conceptualising critical mathematical thinking in young students

International curriculum and policy directions have called to embed critical thinking across discipline areas including mathematics; however, conceptually, this is under-theorised and under-researched in the field of mathematics education. This paper presents the conceptualisation of critical mathematical thinking (CMT) and the application of a literature informed conceptual framework; in particular, it examines what CMT capabilities young students exhibit as they enter formal schooling. We present the findings from one-on-one task-based interviews, undertaken with 16 young students (aged 5–6) as a means to investigate their CMT capabilities and refine the CMT framework. The interview data were analysed using the new critical mathematical thinking conceptual framework. The data confirms the definition and understanding of CMT in young students, indicating a need for curriculum refinement, improved teaching practices, and further research in this area

Critical mathematical thinking in young students

The aims of the study were to investigate critical mathematical thinking in young students, and teaching actions/questions that help these young students exhibit their critical mathematical thinking. A key finding was the conceptualisation of a Critical Mathematical Thinking Framework for Young Students. This framework (a) articulates the key characteristics young students exhibit as they engage in critical mathematical thinking, and (b) can be used by teachers to help them identify critical mathematical thinking within the classroom context. Additionally, specific teacher questions that support young students to exhibit critical mathematical thinking were delineated. The study determined that teachers play a pivotal role in supporting young students to exhibit their critical mathematical thinking

Defining the characteristics of critical mathematical thinking

In this paper, we report on the interim findings of a study that seeks to identify the characteristics of children’s Critical Mathematical Thinking CMT. Characteristics of CMT were initially generated from a synthesis of relevant research literature and then validated using a case study methodology via trials in early childhood classrooms. This paper provides a framework for CMT distilled from the literature and an illustrative case study of one student to provide tentative evidence that young children’s use of CMT capabilities can be identified. The long term aim of this line of research is to explore the potential to promote CMT capabilities in a targeted manner