THE IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Keywords:
Keywords: mathematics education, critical thinking, mathematical literacy, problem-solving, logical reasoning, educational development, analytical thinking, cognitive skillsAbstract
Abstract: The rapid development of information technologies and the increasing complexity of modern society require individuals to possess advanced cognitive skills that enable them to evaluate information critically, solve problems effectively, and make rational decisions. Among various school subjects, mathematics occupies a unique position in fostering critical thinking because it develops logical reasoning, analytical abilities, evidence-based judgment, and systematic problem-solving skills. This article examines the relationship between mathematics education and critical thinking development among students. The study analyzes theoretical foundations, contemporary educational approaches, and international educational trends that emphasize mathematical literacy as a key component of twenty-first-century competencies. The article also discusses the role of mathematical reasoning, proof, modeling, and problem-solving in cultivating critical thinking. Furthermore, statistical data from international assessments are presented to demonstrate the importance of mathematical competence in educational achievement and future professional success. The findings indicate that mathematics serves not only as a tool for numerical calculations but also as a powerful instrument for developing intellectual independence and reflective thinking.
Downloads
References
Artigue, M. (2016). Mathematics education research and its relations to the discipline of mathematics. Proceedings of the International Congress of Mathematicians, 4, 3425–3444.
Ennis, R. H. (2015). Critical thinking: A streamlined conception. In M. Davies & R. Barnett (Eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Thinking in Higher Education (pp. 31–47). Palgrave Macmillan.
Niss, M., & Højgaard, T. (2019). Mathematical competencies revisited. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 102(1), 9–28.
OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education. Paris: OECD Publishing.
Schoenfeld, A. H. (2020). Reframing teacher assessment: A mathematical perspective. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 23(5), 431–449.
UNESCO. (2024). Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
World Economic Forum. (2023). The Future of Jobs Report 2023. Geneva: World Economic Forum.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All content published in the Journal of Applied Science and Social Science (JASSS) is protected by copyright. Authors retain the copyright to their work, and grant JASSS the right to publish the work under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the author(s) for the original creation.