Dr. David Acheson
How can we solve the Maths Problem?
25th October 2005, 16.00-18.00
Munro Fox Seminar Room
Dr David Acheson, a fellow of Jesus College, University of Oxford, and a
National Teaching Fellowship holder will visit Royal Holloway this
autumn to present some of his work in learning and teaching. Dr Acheson
is well known for his innovative and inspiring teaching methods, which
include playing an electric guitar in lectures to demonstrate the
mathematical theory of vibrating strings. In addition to his teaching
and research at Oxford, he has given a number of public lectures
including the London Mathematical Society's 2003 Popular Lecture:
Mathematics, Magic and the Electric Guitar. He has also appeared on BBC
TV's Tomorrow's World presenting his 'upside-down pendulums theorem',
and written 1089 and All That, a book that attempts to bring the joy of
mathematics to the general public.
Dr Acheson's lecture will include a discussion of what mathematics is
really all about, and whether it is possible to communicate some of the
exciting ideas of the subject to virtually anybody. Dr Acheson will also
offer some views about the teaching of mathematics at all levels,
including university. The lecture will allow plenty of time throughout
for discussion of the issues raised.
(This event is organized by the EDC).