Writing in Mathematics Seminar

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Mathematics is different from some other disciplines such as art and music in that it builds upon itself. It has traditionally been based on a series of axioms and theorems derived from these axioms, from which more theorems can be derived. Therefore, when an essay asks us to eliminate a concept fundamental to mathematics, it is difficult to make a choice since each concept has its merits and is necessary for understanding concepts that build upon it. This essay, although not feasible to implement in the real world, accomplishes the goals of a Writing in Mathematics seminar, which are to encourage students to think creatively about mathematics, increase the students’ skills in writing effective arguments, and show the students that there is far more to mathematics than what was taught in high school.

Most of us arrived to this writing seminar in mathematics after we had been taught the dry, routine mathematics typically taught in high schools throughout the country, which does not leave much room for creativity. This situation is compounded by the effects of the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, [which puts] teachers under even more pressure to teach to the test. Discouraging risk taking…dampens the development of mathematical creativity” (Mann, 2006). This seminar showed us that there is room for creativity in mathematics and dispelled the notions embedded into our brains by thirteen years of rigid mathematics. By forcing us to eliminate a key concept in mathematics, we were compelled to find creative solutions to the problems that ensue from taking such action. In my essay, for example, I decided to abolish the triangle. This would thereby endanger trigonometry, but I theorized that a circular trigonometry could be u...

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...t essay in the beginning of this seminar to show that we have at least a decent understanding of the English language, we know that we are capable of writing the essay. Although this assignment could be more challenging, this is not a major issue because it is quite challenging as it stands.

This assignment does accomplish the goals of this seminar, although it could challenge us more. While the assignment does not make an explicit effort to expose students to the eclectic topics that make up mathematics beyond the standard high school curriculum, it would be quite difficult to design an essay that studies both the foundations and advanced, creative aspects of mathematics. Instead, the readings assigned for discussion in the seminar accomplish this last goal. Even though a Writing in Mathematics seminar does not build on itself, it does need to meet the goals.

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