Welcome to the website for the project "Fictional narratives as a learning aid in mathematics". This is funded by the Teaching Development Fund (TDF) at the University of Bath.
The project will explore the role of fictional narratives as a means to promote key mathematical concepts. Using fictional narratives is a well demonstrated approach of communicating ideas, being utilised in disciplines such as sociology and anthropology. The main output of the project will be a novella, designed to help develop understanding of the unit Group Theory. Told from multiple student perspectives, it will promote inclusivity whilst also highlighting current welfare issues.
The project will also involve a two day workshop, encouraging Mathematical Sciences students to develop their own short stories.
For any information, please send an email to mp312@bath.ac.uk
Events
Maths and Fiction
07/10/2024, 10:15-12:05, 4W 1.7, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath
This event will feature the following talks:
Mason Pember. Fictional narratives as a learning aid in mathematics.
Kara Gnodde. Against the donning of the gown.
Gayle Letherby. Telling academic (and other) stories differently: using creative writing to convey important and significant messages and concerns.
Sarah Hart. Journeys through imagined worlds: adventures at the intersections of mathematics and fiction.
Creative Writing in Mathematics
Two-day workshop
Tuesday 5th November, 4W 1.2
11:15 - 12:05 Mason Pember: Mathematical Poetry.
We'll explore different mathematical structures that can be used to create poetry, such as Fano Fiction (invented by Sarah Hart) and Group Theory Poems. Participants will be given exercises in creating their own poetry using the structures.
12:15 - 13:05 Kara Gnodde: Narrative fiction can make mathematical concepts more accessible and memorable.
We'll examine how metaphor and storytelling can illuminate mathematical concepts through reference to
successful maths-in-fiction approaches. Participants will then be prompted and guided to create their own stories
around a mathematical concept.
Wednesday 6th November, 4W 1.7
10:15 - 11:15 Gayle Letherby: Let's get creative.
The focus of this session is to explore – in creative ways – both the experience of ‘being’ in higher education and the relationship between maths and fiction (and other) writings. Participants will be guided through exercises to encourage reflection on their experience of university life and of learning mathematical concepts.
11:15 - 12:05 Open participation.
Participants work on their own short stories and poetry around mathematical concepts. With participants approval, selected works will be displayed on a poster in the department.