THE ROLE OF THE MATHEMATICAL REASONING IN CONSULTATION PROCESS ACCORDING TO GUIDANCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING CANDIDATES - Research findings on counseling

Oct 15, 2026

Research examines how candidates in Guidance and Psychological Counseling perceive the role of mathematical reasoning in the counseling process. Fifty participants associate mathematical thinking with problem understanding, goal creation, and solving steps that mirror counselee problem-solving. Findings highlight that mathematical reasoning supports fast and practical thinking, enables realistic and rational solutions, clarifies multiple possible solutions, and contributes multidimensional analysis. The study also links math processes like assumption, generalization, and evidence gathering to consultation practice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Mathematical thinking and reasoning in problem solving

Guidance services and psychological counseling foundations

Definitions and aims of guidance and counseling

THE ROLE OF THE MATHEMATICAL REASONING IN CONSULTATION PROCESS ACCORDING TO GUIDANCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING CANDIDATES Davut Aydin, Cahit Aytekin Abstract: In this research, the candidates of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling profession were asked about the role of mathematical thinking in the counseling process. Fifty candidates for Guidance and Psychological Counseling profession were participated in the research. Participants were asked to associate them with mathematical reasoning and psychological counseling process. Participants relate mathematical reasoning and services of guidance and psychological counseling to many subjects. At the end of the research, the following findings were reached such as (1) understanding the problem of the client, to realize the need more quickly, to create a goal, (2) the problem solving process in mathematics is similar to the process of solving the problem of the counselee (3) when approaching the problems of the client, it is useful in thinking fast and practical, (4) mathematical reasoning contributes to the counselor in finding a realistic and rational solution to the client's problems, (5) Mathematical reasoning makes it clear that problems can have different solutions. Thus, it directs the individual to behave as solution seeking, (6) the assumption, generalization and evidence gathering in mathematics is also present in consultation process, (7) mathematical reasoning gives the consultant multidimensional thinking and analysis of client problem. Key words: Mathematical reasoning, Mathematical thinking, Consultation process, Candidates of guidance and psychological counselling. 1. Introduction The most distinctive features that distinguish people from other creatures are their advanced thinking abilities (Alkan and Güzel, 2005) . Individuals can adapt to the society they live in and they can continue their lives in this way. Individuals may face various problems in this adaptation process. In the solution process of the problems, it may be necessary to understand the problem and to develop a systematic solution to the problems by reasoning. This kind of process can be called mathematical thinking as it is stated in Suzuki (1998). The importance of developing mathematical thinking skills of students in all countries is emphasized (Keith, 2000; Mason, Burton and Stacey, 1998; Baltaci, 2016; Baki, Yildiz and Baltaci, 2012; Bukova, 2006; Baki, 2008) . Mathematical thinking can be expressed as the use of mathematical knowledge and concepts previously learned by the individual, abstraction, prediction, generalization, hypothesis testing, testing, proofing, and reaching a new knowledge or comprehension with descriptions (Bukova, 2006) . Baki (2008) defined mathematical thinking as the method of reaching to unknowns from the known assumptions of the given situation, gathering evidence and generalization. Liu Po-Hung (1996) is also defined mathematical reasoning as a combination of complex processes such as estimating, induction, deduction, description, generalization, sampling, formal and non-formal thinking, validation, and so on. Individuals can use their mathematical thinking in analyzing the events and phenomena they face at every stage of their lives consciously or unconsciously. Today, we can say that mathematical reasoning is a way of thinking that should be used in every field. Throughout their life, individuals try to solve problems in school and work (Blitzer, 2003) . In the process of problem solving, the highest cognitive functions such as analysis, generalization and synthesis can also be used (Henson, 1993; D’ Zurilla, Nezu ve Maydeu-Olivers, 2004; Naglieri and Dass, 2005) . In order for students to use these functions in schools, it is necessary to contribute to their mathematical thinking. There is also a need for guidance services. Guidance services are also responsible for this. We can improve the quality and efficiency of education by providing

FAQs

What does the study investigate about mathematical reasoning?

The study examines the role of mathematical thinking in the counseling process as perceived by candidates in Guidance and Psychological Counseling.

How do participants connect math problem solving with counseling?

Participants report that the mathematics problem-solving process is similar to the counselee’s problem-solving process, supporting understanding, goal creation, and solution development.

What specific benefits of mathematical reasoning are reported for counselors?

Mathematical reasoning is described as helping counselors think fast and practically, find realistic and rational solutions, recognize that problems may have different solutions, and provide multidimensional analysis.

Oct 15, 2026

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