Abstract

In light of the organically interconnected relationships of learning mathematics, a theoretical heuristic was developed to exemplify the implications of the findings of the study. Called SEARCH, the heuristic highlighted learning mathematics as a synergistic relationship constituted by an interconnectedness among social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, each of which requires a balanced consideration in order to pursue the epistemological, ontological, and methodological paradigmatic frameworks embedded in current mathematics reform agendas. SEARCH is an acronym that stands for Social Emancipation, Active Referencing, and Creative Heuristics. SEARCH also metaphorically implies that learning mathematics is a "search" - i.e., what learners do as they endeavor to make mathematical sense. At the same time, a "search" is what teachers do in making sense of the mathematics each student constructs. It is upon such a foundation that the implications for pedagogical change engendered in contemporary mathematics education reform perspectives have been addressed.