How to convey the fun of mathematics

How to convey the fun of mathematics

Associate Professor（Mathematics Education）
HIRABAYASHI Mai

Do you like math? Many of you might answer, "I'm not good at it" or "I dislike it." In my research lab, we are studying how to make elementary, middle, and high school students enjoy math. In our classes and seminars, we solve interesting math problems while considering how children respond to these problems and how we should respond to their reactions.

For example, try calculating (1) 37037 × 3 and (2) 15873 × 7. You may have gotten a surprising answer. Why do we get such an unusual result? Can we create other calculations that give the same answer? Rather than simply finishing when the answer is found, the fun of math lies in continuing to think and ask various questions afterward. Together with students, I am considering how to help children enjoy thinking.

▲The atmosphere of discussions with students in a seminar.

▲The atmosphere of students' discussions in class.