Activity theory model to cultivate higher order mathematical thinking

Abstract

The role and importance of mathematics is not only proved to be core to engineering education but maintained its distinctive position as a gatekeeper to get into engineering education. To utilize the full potential of future engineers, we need to awaken their mathematical thinking powers to help them emerge as innovators, active thinkers and problem solvers for the 21 st century. The transition of mathematical thinking from thinking inside the box to thinking outside the box need to be introduced in the early grades and should also be promoted to practice in engineering education. The localized and segmented efforts to promote the mathematical thinking are unable to bridge the gap between research and practice in the respective area. In this research, literature review and content analysis are used to transform the generalized activity theory model to an initial form of customized model for developing higher order mathematical thinking skills (HOMTS) among future engineer. After conducting the planned research, the final form of activity theory model for HOMTS will be used not only to integrate already practiced inductive teaching and learning (ITL) methods with specially designed BLOSSOMS (Blended Learning Open Source Science or Mathematics Studies) modules but also to provide guidance for its effective implementation.