Literature, LEGO and learning to meet at national maths conference

Winnie the Pooh, Harry Potter, ‘maths dancing’ and LEGO will be among the wide variety of subjects introduced during the 80 original talks and workshops, at an annual national maths conference.

2020 Association of Teachers of Mathematics’ Annual Conference.

Around 200 delegates – including subject teachers and lecturers, national educational policy makers, mathematics consultant organisations, businesses and others – are due to attend the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) Conference; to be held from April 6 to 9 (Monday to Thursday), at the Four Star De Vere Staverton Estate hotel in Daventry, Northamptonshire.
 
With the theme of '2020 Visualising', the 80 sessions and key speakers will see delegates explore new ideas and the latest developments in mathematics education, and make social and professional connections in a stimulating environment.
 
Talks will explore how mathematics links to a very wide variety of other topics and subjects, and will include:
 
·       Defence against the dark arts (by speaker Anne Watson) – Drawing on JK Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, to show how the popular series can be used to develop children’s interest in mathematics.
 
·       The biggest Woozle in a Wizzle (by Derek Ball) – Using this Winnie the Pooh and Piglet story to explore geometry.
 
·       Maths in the 'real world' - learning with Lego (with Evelyn Hardy) and The mechanics of children's toys (by Ian Hibbert) – Looking at how children’s toys can be used to teach even quite advanced mathematical ideas.
 
·       Dancing maths (with Rebecca Hart) – A physically active workshop where delegates will be active; ‘stomping out’ the times-tables, making number digits with their bodies, moving bar charts, etc.
 
Other sessions will look at tackling people’s ‘maths anxiety’, how to reach students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Dyscalculia (a persistent difficulty in understanding numbers), and helping young people understand maths and statistics as used in media stories. Delegates will also get involved in hands on activities such as using crafts to build geometrical solids.
 
For full information on Conference speakers and sessions, and to book a place, go online to ATM website link www.atm.org.uk/2020-Conference OR contact the ATM office on 01332 977891 or email: admin@atm.org.uk
 
Heather Davis, Chair of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics’ General Council, said: “There are a wealth of subjects being tackled, mathematically, at our 2020 ATM Annual Conference; showing how the world of numbers intersects with lots of other topics.
 
“Our annual event is always a great opportunity for those involved in mathematics to hear from celebrated speakers and on the latest developments in the subject area.
 
“I look forward to a great turnout at the Conference and a lively exchange of ideas, as usual.”
 
There are a limited number of £100 bursaries available to offset the cost of attending Conference. These are open to all but priority will be given to student and newly qualified teachers, and first time Conference attendees, on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Information, again, on the above 2020 Conference website page link.
 
The Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) was founded in 1952 by educators Dr Caleb Gattegno and Roland Collins. At a time when mathematics was generally taught in a fixed and traditional way, ATM’s founders believed young people should learn the subject through lively and interesting experiences.
 
The educational charity now has almost 4,000 individual, schools, university, institution and business members; including at 13 active branches across the UK, with further branches in Singapore and Hong Kong. ATM’s Executive Officer is Samantha Walters. The Chair of its General Council of Trustees is Heather Davis.
 
For more information on the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) see its website at www.atm.org.uk/