Open peer commentary on the article “Designing Constructionist E-Books: New Mediations for Creative Mathematical Thinking?” by Chronis Kynigos. Upshot: As a mathematics teacher educator and “digital tourist,” I focus my response to the many questions posed by Kynigos from three perspectives. First, I outline the theories he uses to frame the reporting of the research into the design of constructionist e-books. Second, I compare his theoretical tools with design-based research as an organising framework for a research project of this nature. Third, I propose the possible contribution of further theory-testing to the work.

Open peer commentary on the article “I Can’t Yet and Growth Mindset” by Fiona Murphy & Hugh Gash. Abstract: A strong emotional theme in relation to children’s learning emerges in the target article. I draw parallels with mathematics education research, where repeated studies have advocated mixed-ability grouping, higher teacher expectations and rich mathematical tasks. However, teachers’ beliefs and attitudes can be resistant to change. My commentary invites the authors to consider how their research might be strengthened by further analysis using identity theory.