UC Santa Barbara's experimental workshop, Math Circle, puts pre-college students in contact with mathematicians and mathematical scientists to show them a side of math that is falling out of high school curriculum, the non-statistical, logic-based creative side of Math. I sat down to talk about the goals and value of Math Circle with Professor Maribel Bueno, a faculty member of the UCSB Math Department and very active organizing member of the UCSB Math Circle. Grad students should read on if they want to get involved in this great opportunity to help young students, gain teaching and pedagogy experiences, and get a stipend along the way.
Professor Bueno explained that UCSB Math Circle is based on a pedagogical model popularized in Eastern Europe, which aims to integrate high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors. She went on to explain that this workshop series offers a free way to teach pre-college students skills in mathematical logic and creativity that are being underemphasized in some places due to budget cuts and the stress on quantitative exam scores. It exposes pre-college students to college-level math, promotes creativity and problem solving, and brings these students in dialogue with role models and mentors.
Meanwhile, undergraduates and graduate students on the teaching track have an opportunity for more hands-on teaching and pedagogy experience, a professionalizing experience, and a modest stipend.
While Math Circle's value seems apparent, it does not come without its challenges. Funding and recruiting are both hurdles, ones that are not mutually exclusive. Grad students, if you are interested in helping Math Circle as a recruiter or teacher, or just want more information, please feel free to visit the UCSB Math Circle website or contact Professor Maribel Bueno directly.
As a closing thought, let me emphasize possibly the most important idea I took away from my conversation with Professor Bueno: Math Circle is for everyone; it is a gateway to a new passion and a different mathematical methodology. Everyone is welcome and entrance is by no means grade- or performance-based.
Meetings are held on Fridays, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., at Old Little Theatre in the College of Creative Studies, Room 164B. View the Winter 2013 Schedule for future dates, topics, and leaders.