The Power of Mathematics: A Study of the Transition from the Constructive to the Analytical Phase of Mathematical Thinking in Children - Z. P. Dienes

Originally published in 1964, The Power of Mathematics was written at a time when a rethinking of the role of mathematics in schools was being undertaken in many parts of the world, coupled in some centres with actual experimental work in the classroom.

In his first book Building up Mathematics Dr Dienes showed how, in the earlier stages of mathematics learning, the use of sufficiently varied apparatus can enable children to form their own mathematical concepts. This constructive phase is followed in due course – given the right conditions – by an analytic phase.

The Power of Mathematics gives detailed consideration to this more mature and highly productive phase in mathematics-learning. Helpful and stimulating at the time; all those engaged in education would value his refreshing comments on the nature of the learning process itself. Today it can be read in its historical context.