2003/03/01 by Brent Davis, Elaine Simmt
Computer Science · Decision Sciences · #Chaos, Complexity, and Education #Cognitive Science and Mapping #Complex Systems and Decision Making
paper · doi:10.2307/30034903
crossref issued 2003/03/01 · crossref published 2003/03/01 · crossref published-print 2003/03/01 · openalex publication_date 2003/03/01 · crossref created 2010/05/04 · crossref deposited 2021/01/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Complexity science may be described as the science of learning systems, where learning is understood in terms of the adaptive behaviors of phenomena that arise in the interactions of multiple agents. Through two examples of complex learning systems, we explore some of the possible contributions of complexity science to discussions of the teaching of mathematics. We focus on two matters in particular: the use of the vocabulary of complexity in the redescription of mathematical communities and the application of principles of complexity to the teaching of mathematics. Through the course of this writing, we attempt to highlight compatible and complementary discussions that are already represented in the mathematics education literature.