Thinking Beyond the Equations: A Deep Dive into Reflective Thinking for Mathematics Learning

Krida Kuncoro; Angga Hidayat; Mohamad Basri Nadzeri; Dadang Juandi; Agus Hendriyanto; Fajar Meirani

doi:10.17275/per.25.75.12.5

EN

Thinking Beyond the Equations: A Deep Dive into Reflective Thinking for Mathematics Learning

Abstract

Reflective thinking is a cognitive process that involves re-examining issues to overcome challenges in problem-solving. In the context of mathematics education, it serves not only as a tool for error correction but also as a means of fostering deeper conceptual understanding and self-regulation. This study aims to assess current research on reflective thinking within the field of mathematics education. To explore this, relevant keywords such as "reflective thinking" and "mathematics education" were used in literature searches. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to enhance our understanding of the topic, focusing on articles indexed in the ERIC and Scopus databases. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we carefully evaluated 101 articles published between 2018 and 2024, eliminating duplicates and irrelevant content. Ultimately, 23 articles were selected based on predefined criteria. The findings reveal that reflective thinking is an ongoing and dynamic process that positively impacts academic achievement. The review highlights the significant role of reflective thinking in various areas, including problem-solving, creative idea generation, task completion, learning enhancement, decision-making, and the development of both systematic and conceptual skills. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the essential role of reflective thinking in mathematics education, underscoring its importance in improving educational practices and outcomes. Furthermore, reflective thinking not only enhances individual cognitive skills but also promotes collaborative and interactive learning environments, encourages reflective teaching practices among educators, and strengthens lifelong learning dispositions, all of which are crucial for holistic educational development.

Keywords

mathematics education , reflective thinking , systematics literature review

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Higher Education Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis

Authors

Krida Kuncoro ^*
0000-0001-6173-1251
Indonesia

Angga Hidayat
0000-0003-3524-5940
United States

Mohamad Basri Nadzeri
0000-0001-6335-5202
Malaysia

Dadang Juandi
0000-0001-6997-1399
Indonesia

Agus Hendriyanto
0000-0001-6473-8379
Indonesia

Fajar Meirani
0009-0002-6486-2753
The Netherlands

Early Pub Date

September 6, 2025

Publication Date

September 1, 2025

Submission Date

June 4, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 12 Number: 5

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.25.75.12.5

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA66DS67ZR

APA

Kuncoro, K., Hidayat, A., Nadzeri, M. B., Juandi, D., Hendriyanto, A., & Meirani, F. (2025). Thinking Beyond the Equations: A Deep Dive into Reflective Thinking for Mathematics Learning. Participatory Educational Research, 12(5), 310-334. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.25.75.12.5