22TRA599 Two Myths Of Learning Mathematics And Why You Might Want To Re-Think Them (P)

Date:       Tuesday, 6 December 2022 
Time:       7pm - 8pm
Venue:    Online Via Zoom

In this presentation, Alf will challenge two ideas which appear commonly held, the first is that mathematics is a building block subject and the second is that maths is hard because it is abstract. The session will trace some of the historical roots of these ideas and why they might now be problematic. There will be opportunities for engagement in classroom tasks and discussion.

Bio of Presenter: Professor Alf Coles
MA(Oxon.), PGCE(Cantab.), MEd(Bristol), PhD

Alf is a Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Bristol. With colleague Nathalie Sinclair, he has published recently the book “I can’t do Maths!: Why children say it and how to make a difference”. Alf worked for 15 years teaching mathematics in schools before moving to the University in 2010. He was educational consultant with the UxK’s National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in the development of their Mastery professional development materials.