Math Circles are a type of math enrichment activity for K-12 students, aimed at fostering a sense of collaboration, exploration, and wonder - all essential parts of the culture of mathematics that are all too often neglected in the standard curriculum. If you are new to Math Circles in general, a wealth of information and resources can be found on MathCircles.org. The Math Circle Institute is intended to bring participants at all levels of involvement together, to learn more about what goes into establishing a Math Circle, how to effectively run a session, and how to find/develop materials. More experienced participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and hone their pedagogical strategies, and to workshop lesson plans intended to introduce specific advanced math topics in an engaging way.
The program will be led by a team of instructors with deep experience running Math Circles in a wide variety of communities, from right here in South Bend, to rural New Mexico, to across the globe. Participants will gain experience on both sides of the table, experiencing what a Math Circle can be from the perspective of a student, then having the opportunity to discuss and explore the underlying pedagogy.Â