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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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626 - 650 of 703 Reviews for Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

By Cássio M B V

May 3, 2017

excellent course. Unfortunately i lacked the algebric basis to follow and completely understand all the exercises and examples given. I followed all lessons trough the end, but was not able to do the test flight and complete it. but i will try again in future, when my algebric skills are better

By Ross A

May 11, 2020

This is really an introduction to mathematical proofs after going through some formal logic and mathematical quantifiers.

Keith Devlin is an excellent presenter and the problems he sets during the course all relate well to the topic he has discussed.

No practical use, but thoroughly enjoyable.

By Sunita S

Aug 7, 2023

It's a beginner friendly course. Found the number theory and real analysis basic part a bit hard to follow, but if a student is determined and works on the assignments given by Professor Keith Devlin, he/she can do well in these topics as well. Enjoyed this whole course a lot! :)

By Noor S

Jan 4, 2021

Every thing is quite good in my opinion. The only problem is that community is not so active.

I really learn some amazing stuff, that helped my improve in many things, including competitive programming, computer science study, critical thinking and of course, mathematical proofs.

By Roman S

May 19, 2023

Despite the lector was considerably inconsistent in final part of the course (grading students and selfish profs) the site gives me a lot of renewal information. This mentioned inconsistence looks like already was even a good feature! Thanks for the course!

By jeffrey o

Sep 3, 2017

I thought it was very interesting and for someone who has not taken a math course in 55+ years challenging. I wish Professor Devlin would have explained some things to a greater extent but I suppose for most of the class, that was not necessary.

By bogdan c

Feb 24, 2020

i liked following this course. i just have some minor remarks: it felt like it was a little bit too "slow" although i agree with the idea that acceding to "mathematical thining" takes time. also i found the quizzes during courses annoying.

By Juan C A R

Mar 23, 2022

This is for mathematicians, so it's a bit difficult for someone with few knowledge of mathematics at all. It's very good bcause it develps the correct logic for it but I think this course needs more words to explain the common things

By Dhanada M

May 4, 2020

This is an excellent course that I would strongly recommend to anybody interested in picking up some fundamental skills essential for developing a Mathematical way of thinking! Such a skill would be valuable in a range of fields.

By Shiqian Y

Sep 27, 2017

Great course for the students who knows little about college mathematics. For those one who are already professional at university mathematics, this course is very easy to follow but still benefits students form many aspects.

By Harish M

Jun 20, 2017

From my understanding so far; it's a good course that lets you quantify your basic logical thinking ability and understand your work areas if you're looking at understanding the beautiful world of mathematics.Happy Learning

By Volkman M

May 11, 2017

Great course for those who might want an additional understanding of mathamatical logic and number theory. For me its was challenging, but I learned essential math patterns and basic skills I wish I got in High School.

By Christoph E

May 20, 2024

Looking at the production value, it's quite obvious that this is one of the older courses. However, it delivers what it promises. My only gripe is Dr. Devlin's handwriting, which can be really hard to read at times.

By Iliya L D

Jul 10, 2022

Although I'm a 9th grade student and found many concepts hard, the course was very informative and interesting. Thank you coursera for offering me the opportunity to take this course with stanford.

By Angelina O

Apr 10, 2018

I am happy to learn Math from the beginning of the beginning. Moreover, if this course was read for me at school, I am sure that I could have much more closest relations with math:)

By Andrey D

Aug 24, 2017

Course is great but it is difficult to print assignments in PDF because printers is not accessible by everyone. It is better when all assignments use coursera platform.

By Melis K

Mar 31, 2023

I have learned how to apply basic logic methods to daily life. Also, I have accustomed to evaluate someones work, so now I can look from more objective point of view

By Daniel A

Feb 1, 2023

Great course overall though i would have preferred that the last assignments to have been something different instead of simply grading what others have done.

By Marcos V L R

Feb 8, 2018

Boa iniciativa, boas palestras e aulas. Todavia, necessita-se de um adaptação para países da língua portuguesa. Pelo valor pago pelo curso, nada mais justo!

By Marc B i M

Aug 4, 2017

Nice course overall. It makes you do and achieve what it says, so if you want to learn mathematical thinking that is the best introductory course for you.

By ken a

Sep 19, 2020

some of the functionality of the coursera site makes accomplishing tasks cumbersome, specifically week 9, but overall a great introduction to the topic.

By Omair A

Jun 10, 2017

A brilliant course must-take course, all that it needs is a little polishing up to cater for the very short attention span that today's netizens have.

By Dr. P D T

Feb 9, 2024

Get rid of week 9, it is too subjective and inter-subjective. I did learn to recognize mathematical logic by doing the quizzes from weeks 1-8.

By Chen N

Jan 19, 2019

Really nice course, with many insightful and inspiring point. However, this course should be marked as "beginners" because it's too easy...

By Zain S

Jul 24, 2024

A nice course. Loads of learning. The learning curve is manageable. But significant improvements can be made toward module 9.