Math Circle Pedagogy
Our Math Circle classes follow the model of the highly successful
Boston Math Circle program developed by
Bob and Ellen Kaplan. 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.
