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

4.8
stars
2,884 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

SI

Mar 25, 2025

Great course that everyone should take in their lives. Teaches skills that are necessary not just in math, but in all walks of life. Excellent pacing and course material. Teaches the topics very well.

AM

Nov 23, 2019

It was an amazing course! Lots of interesting content. The content is also explained really well, i found it really easy to understand. The assessments are a little challenging, but reasonably sized.

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201 - 225 of 724 Reviews for Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

By Vamsee M K

Mar 16, 2017

This is a very important course on the journey to mathematical mastery. It helped in developing the ability to read and write mathematical statements without feeling intimidated.

By Tim G

Jul 26, 2020

Great course. It ramps up quite steeply towards the end but is arranged to still be doable by someone like me, who will have to work more on even the introductory real analysis.

By 许甲一

Jan 19, 2022

This course is really instructive. It serves as a pretty good transition from high school math to college math. The knowledge related to logic in it is also very fascinating.

By VIJI B N 2

Oct 3, 2020

The course is really helpful and easy to understand. It has helped me greatly by improving my understanding of the subject and helped me improve my way of writing mathematics.

By Maojie T

Nov 26, 2019

What a nice course! I like the logic, interesting and vivid process in this course. I am appreciated to the professor and I will review what I have learned in recent days.

By Danish U H

Jun 28, 2024

This is an excellent course. It helps you in thinking how to think mathematically. Also, there is a flexiblity, so you can learn according to your own time availabilty.

By Kishan V

Oct 3, 2020

Keith Devlin is a perfect teacher! I wish I could learn under him in real life. Fantastic course for high school seniors who want to study university level mathematics.

By BW

Dec 21, 2017

As the name suggests, it is a great introduction to the world of mathematics. No unecessary pressure, which makes it an enjoyable experience for those willing to learn.

By David B

Apr 5, 2017

Hard work but worth it. I get the feeling I now know something about what maths is about.

Brilliant teacher, although I didn't realize this until completing the course.

By Saayan

May 27, 2020

Great course. Really teaches you how to think. If you are making the transition to college mathematics. I would highly recommend this course. It could not get better>

By Frank C

Mar 1, 2024

Really good course. So unique ...... this course has the ability to get your minds' gears turning in different ways.. I loved it! The instructor rocked as well

By JM

Aug 1, 2023

Lovely course for an introductory proofs and logic class. I would recommend it to those interested in taking this course to see if they'd enjoy a pure maths course!

By Temitope A

Nov 9, 2020

I had a great time trying to break a mental barrier. This course would not only teach a new way to think but also how to express and communicate your ideas clearly

By Hussein A

Jan 8, 2019

great course that make you able to establish proofs and use mathematical notations also it help you in some branches of math like number theory and real analysis.

By Rahul C

Jul 2, 2020

Only one word: Brilliant.

Take this course if are aiming to become a Mathematician. You will not regret it. It's absolutely must for all who are entering college.

By Julien C

Oct 23, 2017

A lot of much time spent on simple things and no enough example with answers to make sure we understand the exercise. (sorry no precise example available handy)

By Carlos M

Jun 4, 2020

This course convinced me of enrolling for a college degree in mathematics, I don't think I can say much more. Thanks to professor Devlin for this amazing work.

By Seyyed M A D

Apr 1, 2018

Very dedicated teacher. Very clear and neat teaching method.

The teacher solves a lot of good examples by himself and this makes the course very understandable.

By Olzhas I

Feb 13, 2018

Sometimes challenging, but very interesting and fascinating course! Keith Devlin is a talented professor and his way of describing topics is well-constructed.

By Amir h E

Aug 2, 2023

This course is an amazing way to start your college degree on mathtematics. It mostly deals with logical aspects of math and the way of constructing a proof.

By Ali G

Feb 15, 2025

they need to hire someone to enhance to user experience and UI ALSO better structure for the final pilot assignment other than that everything is wonderful

By Abdelghani D

Dec 30, 2024

Great course, well tailored assignements and problem set. Once solved it gives the learner the confidence and knowledge to learn any math related subject.

By Matteo F

Feb 7, 2021

Fantastic course! The lessons are clear and interesting and the forum is active.

The last week is much harder than the other but the satisfaction is high!

By John A

Sep 21, 2020

Very useful for knowing the basics of number theory and to think mathematically. Slow and Steady wins the race! Concepts explained with good explanation.

By Micael M

Jul 4, 2021

Excellent teaching style!! Will aid anyone to understand mathematical thinking!! Definitely take this course if you are taking mathematics in university