Problem-Solving in Mathematics ― A Semiotic Perspective for Educators and Teachers

Danesi (anthropology, U. of Toronto) has written extensively on semiotics and mathematics shares insights he gained designing and teaching for eight years an experimental mathematics course for math phobics using materials designed semiotically. The underlying idea is that perceiving math as a semiotic discipline allows learners to acquire its basic structure effortless, as in other semiotic disciplines like language and music. His disclaimer: any resemblance between his notions and common sense or standard approaches in math education is purely coincidental. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)