Developing students’ desire to prove, by Bernard Murphy (MEI Programme Leader: Teacher Support)
Annual Student Teacher lecture
Abstract
Mathematical reasoning and proof is receiving increasing attention at GCSE and A level. As teachers we can lead students through proofs but do they really understand what a proof achieves? And how many of them reach a position where they have the urge to find a proof for a conjecture?
In this session we will look at a range of problems and conjectures, many of which are accessible to KS3 students but are rarely encountered in school, which cause students naturally to ask “Why?”
There’ll be some beautiful proofs too!
The speaker, Bernard Murphy, has a BSC and an MSc in Pure Mathematics, and completed his PGCE in Secondary Mathematics in 1992. After gaining 11 years teaching experience, both home and overseas, Bernard joined MEI in 2003. In addition to his work in professional development, he has been a principal examiner, textbook author and regularly presents mathematics masterclasses.
MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry) is committed to improving mathematics education and promotes teaching and learning through different strands of activity. MEI supports teachers through a range of professional development opportunities, including an annual conference. Innovative resources are continually being developed to enrich students’ experiences of learning mathematics. Further information can be found at the MEI website.
Open to all and especially to mathematics teachers and teachers in training.
No charge is made to attend meetings and non-IMA members are welcome.
