Logic List Mailing Archive

CfP: Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Communicating Mathematical (& Logical) Research to laypeople and in Education, 21.05. - 24.05.2024, Palma de Mallorca (Spain)

Call for Papers

Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Communicating Mathematical Research to 
laypeople and in Education; a satellite conference of the 9th European Cong
ress of Mathematics 


Venue: University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Dates: 21.05. - 24.05.2024
https://sites.google.com/view/btg-workshop/
Submission deadline: 29.02.2024

=== Topic
The satellite workshop "Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Communicating M
athematical Research to laypeople and in Education" aims to shed light on a
n essential, yet under-discussed facet of mathematics education - the art o
f communicating complex mathematical concepts and research to children and 
popularizing them in the general public. Mathematical literacy is an integr
al part of modern society, where data-driven decision making is prevalent. 
Equipping children  and laypeople with an understanding of mathematical res
earch prepares them to navigate a world where mathematics is increasingly v
ital.

Felix Klein already famously discussed that school mathematics is not the s
ame as research mathematics. (Proper) Mathematics, often perceived as abstr
act and complex, poses a unique challenge in terms of communication, partic
ularly to children. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in rendering 
mathematical research accessible and engaging to young learners. This confe
rence invites researchers, educators, and practitioners to explore the meth
odologies, strategies, and benefits of conveying mathematical research to c
hildren effectively. This lack of an adequate picture of mathematics propag
ates via all citizens into society at large.

The transmission of mathematical concepts to children necessitates an under
standing of their cognitive abilities, interests, and perspectives. It, jus
t like the communication to laypeople, also presupposes that we understand 
mathematical practice, which is not a given. The understanding of the actua
l practices is often described as "philosophy of mathematical practice". 


Equally significant is the narrative and language employed while communicat
ing mathematical research. The use of storytelling, visuals, games, and pra
ctical examples can demystify mathematics, linking abstract concepts to con
crete realities. This conference seeks to highlight the innovative practice
s and strategies employed by educators and researchers in making mathematic
al research relatable (to lay people and especially to children).

This workshop, thus, aims to stimulate conversations around the why's and h
ow's of communicating mathematical research to children and laypeople. This
 includes Logic as a subject. Through keynotes, panel discussions, and inte
ractive sessions, attendees will gain insights into the best practices, cha
llenges, and future directions in this critical field. The conference invit
es participation from mathematicians, educators and philosophers and anyone
 interested in the intersection of mathematics, education, and communicatio
n. Together, we aim to foster publication engaging with the description of 
mathematical practice, and invite mathematicians to communicate their (subj
ective) perspective, as some important mathematicians like Thurston already
 did. We finally want to develop concrete educational material to be publis
hed after the workshop. 


Some themes could be (but are not limited to):
-the usage of educational software and automated theorem proving
- ethical issues connected to the narratives surrounding mathematics -enric
hing highly gifted children -documenting scientific practice and methodolog
ical issues of the Philosophy of Mathematical Practice broadly

Each day of the workshop will have a keynote lecture, contributed talks and
 time to develop concrete follow up projects and material. One day will be 
devoted in part to a social activity. 

The Keynote Speakers are:

=== Keynotes
Paul Ernest (University of Exeter)
Karen Franois (Vrije Universiteit Brussels) 

Keith Weber (Rutgers)  [Online]

=== Submission
Contributed talks (max. 12) will be 30 minutes long (20+10). 

We do not have funds to cover travel and accommodation expenses, but will d
o our best to provide coffee, refreshments and basic snacks for the breaks. 

If you are interested in a presentation spot, please send a title and an ab
stract of less than 500 words before February 29th 2024 to the organizers v
ia the following google form:
https://forms.gle/pMphrVj9hE2KqpUE7
or by email (see in contact) .
Decisions will be communicated by March 15.

=== Support
Supported by the FWO-project "The Epistemology of Big Data: Mathematics and
 the Critical Research Agenda on Data Practices", Swiss National Science Fo
undation project "Mathematical models and normativity in biology and psycho
logy: descriptions, or rules of description? (P5R5PH_214160) and the Centre
 for Logic & Philosophy of Science research Group at the Vrije Universiteit
 Brussels (VUB). Ayuda Margarita Salas of the Ministerio de Universidades, 
within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, a
nd financed by the European Union (NextGenrationEU). This event is endorsed
 by DMRCP: Diversity of Mathematical Research Cultures and Practices.

=== Contact
Jordi Fairhurst: jordi.fairhurst@uib.es
Jos Antonio Prez Escobar: jose.antonio.perez.escobar@ens.psl.eu
Deniz Sarikaya: deniz.sarikaya@uni-hamburg.de
--
[LOGIC] mailing list, provided by DLMPST
More information (including information about subscription management) can
be found here: http://dlmpst.org/pages/logic-list.php