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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Mathematical Thinking by Stanford University

4.8
stars
2,817 ratings

About the Course

Learn how to think the way mathematicians do – a powerful cognitive process developed over thousands of years. Mathematical thinking is not the same as doing mathematics – at least not as mathematics is typically presented in our school system. School math typically focuses on learning procedures to solve highly stereotyped problems. Professional mathematicians think a certain way to solve real problems, problems that can arise from the everyday world, or from science, or from within mathematics itself. The key to success in school math is to learn to think inside-the-box. In contrast, a key feature of mathematical thinking is thinking outside-the-box – a valuable ability in today’s world. This course helps to develop that crucial way of thinking....

Top reviews

PD

Jun 29, 2020

It has help evaluate what I put into decision in any applicable context. Since I've noted what decision I make and how outcome can be made to vary when I consider all components in a isolated manner.

NR

Mar 4, 2018

An awesome course. Very easy to follow at the start, becomes more challenging at the end. I have a PhD in economics yet I struggled with the real analysis at the end. And that's just intro level! :-D

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601 - 625 of 703 Reviews for Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

By Gökhan C

Feb 7, 2021

Great

By Ковалев В А

Oct 30, 2019

More!

By Deleted A

Aug 18, 2018

great

By Muhammad R

Sep 28, 2017

Good!

By John Z

Jul 31, 2017

great

By Kristian F B

Jun 14, 2017

great

By Deleted A

Apr 27, 2017

Nice.

By PEIPEI Q

Jan 17, 2017

good!

By Cindy P

Mar 20, 2022

good

By TUHIN S M

Mar 6, 2021

good

By Hữu Đ

Oct 19, 2018

nice

By Bharath

Apr 5, 2017

best

By Arnav J

Apr 11, 2022

Yay

By Celine D

Dec 24, 2017

:)

By 朱腾云

May 24, 2017

很好

By Yining S

May 13, 2017

很棒

By Benit G

Apr 3, 2021

.

By Subhee

Apr 24, 2020

k

By Meg- n n

Jul 2, 2017

v

By Hariprasad G

Feb 15, 2018

It is clear that a lot of effort has gone into developing this MOOC, with engaging content and splendid delivery by Prof. Devlin throughout. This is commendable, especially considering the course is traditionally meant for a conventional classroom and a lot of peer interaction, which is hard to simulate in a MOOC.

The Rubric was a little hard to wrap your head around, and often I found my views clashing with that of the instructor (I'm sure he's right, but as a student it's not always easy to see where he's coming from. For example, if you've been lenient in your moderation and given a middling score to a proof, but he's gone on to trash the same proof)

Having said that, it was a delight to learn with the Professor, who emphasizes first principles, assumes nothing, and teaches you to do the same.

By Andreas W

Jul 6, 2023

The general approach is welcoming even to non-mathematicians or beginner students of mathematics. But I find the progression is too step starting with Module 6.

On the other hand, Mr Devlin cracked open the doors to so many different concepts within mathematics and beyond that I will have plenty of subjects to work on over the coming months and years.

"Incidentally", I think the course really carries out what it puts forth: introducing people to think like mathematicians. I now understand what studying mathematics really means.

Thank you Keith for all these insights.

By Bodner N

May 25, 2017

Excellent, this was the course I would have needed when I started at university. I really enjoyed to puzzle arround, try to solve the problems and get my brain working. Only minus is the MOOC form, that does not allow for the assessments, which keeps the course a little low impact. Eventually, I would not have been able to take it if I would have had to invest more time ;-) . For me it was a perfect reminder to get into it again. Thanks.

By PhiSanti

Oct 30, 2022

Great course, it gives a good introduction intro mathematical notation and the proof method. If you are going to do any kind of engineering or mathematically oriented course, I highly recommend you to join as you will have to develop formulas and proof different theorems. Also, if you like analytical philosopy, this will be a boost to your profile.

By Deleted A

Jul 26, 2017

I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot! It became very difficult to follow toward the end, and I thought the standard of explanation was diminished by the end of week 8 so I could no longer follow. This was reflected in my final assignment, as I was not able to complete questions 9 and 10. Thanks for a great course!

By Pritha N

Jul 1, 2022

It was one of the best experiences I had...I was exposed to basic college-level mathematics which motivated me.. I really liked the process that not only marks matter, but what matters is thinking analytically and applying it in the real world..thank you to Dr Keith Devlin for such an innovative course