In their introductory article to a special issue on advanced mathematical thinking that
considered symbolizing, mathematizing, algorithmatizing, defining, and reasoning, Selden and
Selden (2005) stated:
Sometimes referred to as “mathematical habits of mind” or “mathematical practices,” these
[aforementioned specific] ways of thinking about and doing mathematics may be fairly
widely regarded as productive, but are often left to the implicit curriculum. (p. 1)
Also, according to Bass (2005), mathematical habits of mind are critical to many aspects of the
educational process. He argued that:
the knowledge, practices, and habits of mind of research mathematicians are not only
relevant to school mathematics education, but that this mathematical sensibility and
perspective is essential for maintaining the mathematical balance and integrity of the
educational process—in curriculum development, teacher education, assessment, etc.