Elly Schofield ’13 to Share Ideas for Math Education Reform at TEDxClaremontColleges

Elly Schofield ’13

Mathematics major Elly Schofield ’13 will share her ideas on how to revamp the nation’s math curriculum Sept. 29 at the second annual TEDxClaremontColleges.

She is one of 15 speakers scheduled to present at the event, which is modeled after the renowned TED Conferences that invite thought leaders and innovators to share the “talk of their lives” in 18 minutes or less.

Schofield’s talk, scheduled for sometime between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., will explore how to create a better form of math education that engages and supports all students.

“I refuse to believe the goal of our educational system is to temporarily train students to regurgitate a series of formulae, and yet the way it is currently structured suggests that intent,” Schofield said. “I hope to talk about how a different structure might better motivate future generations of mathematicians, scientists, engineers and problem solvers.”

Her passion for math education shines through Schofield’s service at Harvey Mudd College. In 2011, she developed and taught interactive math lessons to third graders at a local elementary school. She also serves as a math tutor for HMC’s Homework Hotline, an over-the-phone, math and science tutoring service for students in grades 4-12. Her other activities include serving as treasurer for the HMC Math Club/SIAM student chapter, ASHMC officer, writing tutor and dorm mentor.

TedxClaremontColleges was launched last year by Jason Soll CMC ’12, whose experience speaking at TEDGlobal in 2009 inspired him to bring a TED-like experience to The Claremont Colleges. Licensed through the TED organization, TEDx events are local, independently organized conferences that feature regular breaks, allowing the speakers and attendees to mingle and further discuss ideas.

“The whole idea of sharing ideas and being an interdisciplinary event made TEDx seem to connect with what this whole place is about,” said TEDxClaremontColleges co-organizer Sam Spurlin (CGU). “The Claremont Colleges are a group of separate schools, each with their specialized focus, yet a shared idea of a liberal education.”

The public event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 in the Garrison Theater at Scripps College.

View Schofield’s TEDx talk.