Enrichment beyond the classroom
FOR CURIOUS MINDS
OUR PROGRAM
This program is designed for children who are interested in mathematics and enjoy interesting brain-teasers . IT IS NOT TUTORING! It goes beyond the common core math classes. However, it is an excellent supplement to gifted math classes.
We have a unique curriculum which is a combination of prominent Hungarian mathematicians’ pedagogy (Lajos Pósa, George Pólya, Zoltan Paul Dienes).
In our online classes we incorporate both the Pósa method (which is based on discovery and problem-based learning), Pólya’s four basic principles of problem solving (Understand the problem, Devise a plan, Carry out the plan, Look back) and Dienes’ theory (who believed in the power of learning mathematics through games).
Our program is:
- based on inquiry-based learning
- involves thought-provoking online and paper based mathematical games
- uses gradually harder challenging problems that are built upon each other
- to discover mathematical concepts (e.g. mathematical induction, Pigeonhole principle, graph coloring) without formally speaking about them.
INQUIRY -BASED LEARNING
We also believe, as Dienes suggested, that teaching children through games and brain teasers helps children see that understanding mathematical patterns and relationships can be an enjoyable and motivating experience. This appeals to learners who see maths as boring. Learners explore the joy of thinking which is actually the name of Pósa’s foundation (The Joy of Thinking).
The effectiveness of these teaching principles have been proven many times since they have been employed. In fact, the Pósa method (the newest among these theories) has earned Hungary numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at various International Mathematical Olympiads.
Benefits of our program:
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Develops the children's logical thinking,
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Helps them to deepen their knowledge about the individual topics,
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Introduces several problem solving methods and strategies that offers a solid foundation for algorithmic thinking and thus programming skills,
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Teaches about edge cases and generalization, and
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Lets them express their own thoughts by asking for more whether it would be the modification, the generalization of the problems or just a random idea.
Related Articles:
If you like to learn more about these mathematics educators' pedagogy, please read the below.
+Wikipedia-Lajos Pósa (mathematician)
+ Lajos Posa's brief biography
+ Testimonials - The Joy of Thinking Foundation
+ Polya's Problem Solving Techniques - Berkeley Math
+ Reed, K. E. and Mercer Young, J. (2018) ‘Math Games to Excite Young Minds’, DREME [online]
+ The emergence of Zoltan P. Dienes's principles