Welcome!
Halt
A poem by Hiraeth (Pseudonym)
HOW RESEARCH SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED – a lesson learnt from COVID 19
Aishwarya Viswamitra is a student in India who writes about the frustrations she, and many other scientists, are experiencing about the public’s blind following of popular news, that has not been scientifically proven. She highlights the dangers for the public and urges scientific and educational institutions to make their information more user friendly for the public. Her piece is specifically written with Indian communities in mind but is relevant from a global perspective.
Some ideas for online assessment
Dirk Basson shares his journey of exploring relevant and effective assessment tools with online learning. He considers the underlying reasons for assessing our students and tackles some important issues.
Mathematics Assessment during the COVID-19 lockdown
When considering how to approach assessment with online learning, mathematics teachers are confronted with what its purpose should be. Jean-Pierre le Roux guides us through this important journey of assessing our assessments.
Berkley’s Critique of Calculus
In this sequel, Adam Schroeder argues that despite its pristine appearance in textbooks and the classroom, mathematics is a human endeavour, often stimulated by debate and controversy. He suggests that the critique of Isaac Newton’s work on differential calculus by the 18th century Irish philosopher, Bishop George Berkley, triggered the search for more formal methods in the foundations of differential calculus.
From fluttering and tumbling flight to stable gliding and periodic soaring
Come!
Hosana Ranaivo shares a creative poem on competition and collaboration
The Power of Perception: Mathematics and the Media
Brandon Laing proposes three interesting mathematical problems and contemplates why students may not engage with these problems.
Teaching in and as a society
Professor Geo Quinot is clear that academic institutions should increase collaboration in teaching and learning in order to tackle complex social problems.
The Battle of the Memes
Jonathan Shock writes about a different, but very important competition taking place in society today – the competition for the mental space to think about deep things and not to be distracted by the noise of modern life.
Competition: helping or hindering learning?
Hanelie and Danél Adendorff reflect on the competitive nature of learning and suggest that students shy away from collaboration because they are unsure of how to interact in groups when learning.
Growing Up A Mathematician
Louren van Niekerk shares with us his inspiring story of his mathematics journey. He shares with us his initial interest in mathematics that started in grade 4, and how this interest sparked a competitive streak in him. He challenges readers to commit themselves to one goal for several years.
Writers Needed for Volume 2: Stigma Around Mathematics
Calling all writers
Fill in the Google form to sign up to write for the new volume of Wisaarkhu, and we will get in touch with you to discuss your contribution.
Upcoming Events
Join us for more virtual discussions on
The Stigma Around Mathematics
Discussion #11
30 Jan (18h00-19h00)
Discussion #12
27 Feb (15h00-16h00)
Discussion #13
20 March (15h00-19h00)
It was a great experience to read and edit some excellent and thought-provoking articles for this issue. I hope to continue to be a part of this wonderful team.
Want to get involved?
If you have a painting, design, poem, song, or any other creative idea around the theme of Mathematics, send it to us! Or write a small column about your favourite Mathematical object/concept and tell us how you made it concrete/real in your day to day life. Then follow the steps on the Contact page and send an email to wisaarkhu@gmail.com and your contribution could be put on our blog, or even in the next edition of the magazine.
For any comments, questions or suggestions, fill out the form on the Contact page.
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