The RM Math Circle Program Gives Students a Chance to Discover the Fun of Mathematics

January 15, 2010

The RM Math Circle is the first of its kind in Houston. It began in October 2009, and is hosted by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. 12 of the top RM students in the Houston area participate weekly.

A Math Circle is an enrichment program that brings together bright students who are interested in mathematics to explore advanced mathematical topics, solve challenging problems, and engage in higher-order thinking.

Students are selected for the RM Math Circle based upon their outstanding performance on the Reasoning Mind system and recommendations from their teachers. All students participating in the math circle attend Title I public schools in the Houston area.

Coming to a weekly Math Circle provides these students with enrichment that builds on what they learn on the RM system, and also gives them access to a group of peers who share their passion for learning, cultivating their capacity for success.

The Reasoning Mind Math Circle’s overarching goal is to foster students’ love of mathematics and create an atmosphere that encourages them to become passionate about the subject. To do this, it incorporates guided discussions of mathematics, individual problem-solving, group activities, and games.

A typical Math Circle might include a discussion of gear movement, a collection of mathematical reasoning problems, or a brief exploration of logic. A unique feature of the program is that each student gets the chance to explain their ideas and solutions to the math circle leaders and receive individual guidance on how to structure their thought process and solve problems.

Even though this is the Reasoning Mind Math Circle’s inaugural year, students have already expressed surprise at how much fun they have had learning mathematics. Discussions have touched upon topics as diverse as unicursal figures and crytoglyphs, with a major emphasis placed on logical reasoning and the importance of using charts and pictures in problem solving. Students are challenged to not only obtain a problem’s answer, but to present and explain their solution to their peers.

When asked to describe the RM math circle, Jeremy Castro, a student at Cornelius Elementary, says, “It’s very exciting, we see a lot of good riddles, and have a lot of fun.” Luqman Mohammed, a student at Cornelius Elementary, adds, “There are a lot of problems to solve – it really works your brain!”

The Math Circle program aims at drawing kids to mathematics, preparing them for higher-level math courses, introducing them to the wonders of mathematical theories, and encouraging them to explore future careers linked with mathematics.

Math circles have been spreading across the country at an unprecedented rate. To learn more about the math circle movement in the US visit http://www.mathcircles.org/