Math Circle Pedagogy
Our Math Circle classes follow the model of the Boston Math Circle program
developed by Bob and Ellen Kaplan, now meeting online and known as the
Global Math Circle. Our Math Circles
have three main pedagogical goals.
- Nuts and Bolts
- Students will learn and practice math techniques and concepts. This
includes notation, terms, computational techniques, and conventions.
Students will be exposed to mathematical lore, favorite tricks, and
neat true facts.
- Wrenches and Hammers
- Students will learn about logic, proofs, and the process of doing
mathematics. This includes learning how to ask good mathematical
questions, how to attack problems, how to deal with being stuck, how
to define new terms, and how to use diagrams appropriately.
- Workshop Etiquette
- Students will learn to interact appropriately with peers in the
context of a mathematical investigation. This includes communicating
effectively in verbal and written form, balancing personal emotional
needs against those of the group, building a collegial atmosphere
capable of producing interesting mathematical insights, and enjoying
the process of mathematical discovery.
