Nigel Nisbet, author of “I Think, I Try, I Learn” and presenter of the TEDx talk “The Geometry of Chocolate,” was the keynote speaker at the Rice University School Mathematics Project’s Spring Networking Conference on March 1 at Brockman Hall for Physics. Nisbet is vice president of Content Creation at MIND Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping all students to solve the world’s most challenging problems.
In his first session, Nisbet spoke about “The New Math Wars: Humans vs. AI.” In his second session he talked about “How Can a Half be Bigger Than a Whole?” The audience asked many thought-provoking questions and learned two important concepts: Math needs to be experienced and not explained. Play is learning; learning is play! The group experienced and played with mathematics through interesting problems and challenging activities.
Nigel answered the ultimate question: ‘How do we learn instead of how do we teach?’ He illustrated this with interesting questions for us to explore.
The conference was abuzz over the impact of AI on education. Nisbet addressed several concerns, such as “What type of questions can humans answer better than AI?” and “What is the role of a mathematics student in an AI-supported learning environment?” Nisbet also explored how interesting math questions can drive student engagement and help build the lasting deep understanding students need to become mathematical thinkers.
One teacher noted that “Nigel answered the ultimate question: ‘How do we learn instead of how do we teach?’ He illustrated this with interesting questions for us to explore.” Another teacher said: “Coming to Rice and being treated with respect and as a professional reminds me of why I keep coming back. The time really flies when you are fully engaged and having fun. I leave happy and motivated. Thank you for always organizing these conferences. Play is learning, and learning is play.”
RUSMP has been hosting these popular fall and spring networking conferences since 1987. Many of the teachers who attended the first conference have returned every year to network with other math professionals. This event was also attended by preservice students from teachHOUSTON, Rice math majors and Rice alumni, new and veteran teachers, administrators, researchers and parents. RUSMP Advisory Board member Alma del Toro, founder and president of Blue Bull Energy and CEO co-founder of Blue Wave Supplier Development Platform, also attended.
RUSMP offers summer programs for teachers, summer camps and programs for students, as well as research-based support to schools and districts during the school year. To learn about RUSMP efforts or how to support RUSMP, please visit the website at rusmp.rice.edu or contact the RUSMP office at 713-348-6076.
Anne Papakonstantinou
RUSMP
Director