I am a qualified teacher and educator of mathematics, but I also consider myself to be a maths communicator.
But what is a maths communicator?
There’s no official definition of maths communication, but to my mind a maths communicator helps other people to see a little of what they enjoy about mathematics.
My Aims as a Maths Communicator
I enjoy mathematics.
But when I say that out loud, more often than not it prompts some very predictable responses:
… I’ve never been any good at maths; I’m not a maths person; I had a bad maths teacher; I’ve always hated maths…
Digging a little deeper always uncovers the same thing: people who say that sort of thing have an incredibly limited idea of what maths is.
As a maths communicator I try to show that mathematics is more than just a set of rules for performing calculations or (worse) just magically knowing The Answers. Instead, it’s a massive, sprawling collection of ideas with connections to literally every aspect of life. It has been a part of human development from our earliest forays into thought, language and art; and that’s a truth that holds before we even start to consider its role at the root of every scientific and technological marvel.
My Maths Communication
Training
In museums and galleries my main strand of maths communication is training: I deliver talks and run workshops that aim to encourage and empower heritage sector folk to begin to spot the tell-tale mathematical threads poking out of the stories, objects, and exhibitions that they work with; and to develop the confidence to pull on them.
Resource Development
When researching and developing resources as part of a museum learning consultancy project I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to embed an opportunity for a bit of maths communication: it’s part of the package in everything I do. Check out the resource development section for details.
Talks and Workshops
I occasionally deliver talks and workshops on maths-related themes. Connect with me via my social feeds to keep up to date with where I’m speaking next, or get in touch if you’d like to book me to talk about something mathsy at your event.
There are examples of things I can talk about here, but I’m always open to discussing ideas for something new that would work for you.
Alternatively, I can consult on aspects of a talk, workshop or other resource that you’re developing if you’d like insight from a maths communicator.