Beautiful Mathematics and Beautiful Instruction: Aesthetics within the NCTM Standards

include cognition, learning, pedagogy, distance education and instruction through technology in mathematics. Today, research often considers the content and pedagogy associated with the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000). However, philosophic analysis of NCTM’s position remains only infrequently investigated. This paper investigates the Principles and Standards from an aesthetic perspective, asking the question, “What does NCTM believe to be ‘Beautiful Mathematics?’ ” In order for teacher education faculty to fully promote NCTM’s Principles and Standards to pre-service K-12 mathematics teachers, this aesthetic dimension should be considered. These considerations can bring an added perspective and richness to mathematics education that is infrequently considered