Details

Temple University mathematics professor John Allen Paulos said, “Mathematics is no more computation than typing is literature.” But the mainstream view of mathematics in the world is that math is comprehensively described by numbers, calculations, equations and formulas. This narrow understanding is often what lies underneath many of the misconceptions about math as well as the widespread dislike of the subject.

It is often why—to the average person on the street—math feels abstract, disconnected and meaningless. This lecture will explore ways to help broader society see mathematics as meaningful, by expanding the meaning of mathematics in their minds. Mathematics is found everywhere and is for everyone, but people can only access it if they truly understand what it is all about. Educators have both the privilege and responsibility to help others along that journey.

Speaker

Eddie Woo teaches mathematics at Cherrybrook Technology High School. His YouTube channel, Wootube, has more than 1.8 million subscribers and 170 million views of his everyday classroom lessons. Within the New South Wales Department of Education, he leads the Mathematics Growth Team, a statewide program of instructional leaders focused on engaging and evidence-informed teaching practices. He is a professor of practice at the University of Sydney, working with preservice teachers in the Sydney School of Education and Social Work. In 2018, he was named Australia’s Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards and listed as one of the Top 10 teachers in the world by the Global Teacher Prize. He is a TED speaker, a children’s TV host and the author of It’s A Numberful World.