The winner of the Fields Medal in Maths (the Maths Nobel) talks about early mathematics education. Q : Why is it that some people have to lie down with a cold wet towel on their forehead the moment they the word math? Manjul Bhargava : I think the reason lies in our education system. Often in school, mathematics is taught as a robotic subject, where you solve artificial-sounding problems via a sequence of dull memorized steps. This is not what research mathematics is like. In research maths, the problems have come up for you in a natural way, either because of reasons of artistry, or because there is an immediate application. The problem then has to be solved with creativity, with interaction with others, and with fun new ideas. You see pieces fit together gradually as waves of understanding come over you. It is like solving a jigsaw puzzle to make in the end a pretty picture. I wish mathematics was taught like that in school!
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 02:05:57 +0000
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