Mathematical and computational thinking

20 November 2019

What are mathematical thinking and computational thinking and what is the relationship between them?

• Mathematical thinking (MT) and computational thinking (CT) are both types of abstract problem solving approaches which may have some overlap
• MT and CT are similar in that they can both be improved upon by practice with reflection; they may support one another
• CT is evolving in comparison with the longer-established MT
• Using both MT and CT might support students in feeling comfortable with trial and error, ambiguity and flexibility. Both support students becoming independent learners and can be learned at any age
• CT is more constrained by hardware and real-world constraints than MT; CT may apply more broadly than MT
• Processes common to both may include decomposition, algorithm design and modelling thinking
• MT can be practised in the context of computational tools and CT in the context of mathematics