School of Mathematical Sciences Academic Lecture [2025] No. 083

(High-Level University Development Series Report No. 1105)

Lecture Title: Topic Selection — The First Step in Conducting Research on Mathematics Education

Lecturer: Associate Professor Chen Jun (Tianjin Normal University)

Lecture Time: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday), 9:30–11:00 a.m.

Venue: Hall D, International Conference Center, Yuehai Campus, Shenzhen University

Abstract: A research project is like a voyage, and topic selection is the process of setting its destination and course. It ensures that research will not become lost in an overly broad field, but rather helps scholars focus their energy and make in-depth explorations within limited resources and time. It prevents the trap of “wanting to study everything, but failing to study anything thoroughly.” Topic selection is the “soul” of research, directly answering the fundamental question: “What is the value of this research?” At the same time, topic selection determines the methods and approaches of research. Different research questions require different paradigms and methodologies. Therefore, in mathematics education research, nearly half of our effort must be devoted to carefully selecting, revising, and justifying the topic. Topic selection is not only the starting point of research, but also essentially defines its endpoint and value.

Lecturer's Biography: Chen Jun, Editor of the Journal of Mathematics Education at Tianjin Normal University. His research interests include mathematics education, teacher education, and academic publishing. He has led one key project under the Philosophy and Social Sciences Program of Tianjin, and one applied project of Tianjin Normal University. He has participated in three doctoral dissertation fund projects at Tianjin Normal University, served as a core member of a key project funded by the National Social Science Fund (Education), and contributed to policy advisory reports. He was awarded the Second Prize for Outstanding Policy Research Achievements in the Tianjin Higher Education Think Tank Program. In recent years, he has published more than ten papers, including two in CSSCI journals and one in a national-level newspaper. He has participated in international conferences such as ICME and PME five times, presenting at these conferences.

Inviter: Li Peng

All faculty members and students are welcome to attend!

School of Mathematical Sciences

September 4, 2025