Maths Circles – the global picture

Maria ChudnovskyAssociate Professor Columbia University

Who helped you develop your interest in mathematics and how?

Here I must mention a math circle I went to [in secondary school] run by mathematics graduate students. It was an absolutely amazing experience! Sometimes we would think about problems, other times the teachers would tell us a simplified version of a lecture that they themselves had heard a few days earlier. Again, we all felt that nothing out there could even compare to what we were doing. That was when I decided that I would major in math in college. As I studied more mathematics over the next ten years, the problems got harder, the lectures got more complicated, but the feeling that there is nothing better I could possibly do with my time is still there.

Maths Circles in schools around Cork

Mastermind: Logic/Combinatorics

Nim: Divisibility

Sequences:

Probabilities, Equations

Junior Maths Circles for Primary Schools

Tessellations:

Fibonacci Numbers:

Sets: Hamilton Circuits

Pentomino Puzzles:

Maths Circles Ireland

“It’s fantastic to see those very good students so engaged in the Maths Circle, clearly enjoying the experience of being challenged mathematically.” Jim Long, Principal Douglas Community School

“The Maths Circle... was a great success last year and we are eager to continue this year. The tutors were enthusiastic and it rubbed off on our students.” Siobhan McGrath, Maths Co-ordinator Presentation Brothers College

“We had our second year's parent-teacher meeting Tuesday afternoon. The maths teachers said that the parents were thrilled with the maths circles and that the kids are really realy enjoying them. Apparently ye couldn't be praised highly enough!” Sian Joyce, Coláiste an Phiarsaigh

How to become a Maths Circles tutor:

-Register as a tutor with Anca Mustata at a.mustata@ucc.ie

- Attend a teaching workshop to learn information about running a maths circle

-You will be put in contact with a teacher/school in your area

-You will run weekly 1 hour sessions in your assigned school based on the Maths Circles Handbook, with help from a teacher/teammate

- Valuable teaching skills.

-Receive a Maths Circle fellowship.

- Good connections; good for your CV.

-The joy of working with young people.

Benefits: