‘We can all learn math’: Famed mathematician presents at Halifax learning conference

Famous Canadian mathematician John Mighton is visiting Halifax for the Research ED Canada conference.

John Mighton, a popular mathematician and playwright, believes most people can learn math at a high level. It’s something he’s experienced personally.

“I almost failed calculus in university,” he told CTV News Atlantic’s Stephanie Tsicos on Thursday.

Mighton moved on from math to pursue playwriting before returning to math in his thirties, eventually landing a position as a consultant and actor in the film “Good Will Hunting.”

Mighton founded JUMP Math in 2002 to help kids underperforming in the field.

“There should be no barriers to mathematics,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you have to be born a genius. We can all learn math.”

Mighton is bringing that philosophy to Halifax this week for the researchED Atlantic Canada conference, which focuses on the science of learning in reading, writing and mathematics.

“We’ve been looking at international scores and provincially, quite often, scores are going down,” he said. “Unfortunately we aren’t seeing progress in math. We’re not really following the science of learning.”

Mighton, who is one of the key presenters at the conference, said some teachers try to obscure math behind other topics to get kids interested in it, such as assigning a project on math and skateboarding.

But he notes the best way to generate engagement is to help kids be successful.

“If they’re successful, it starts a virtuous cycle where they want to do more,” he said. “The key to engagement is success. We have to treat kids like novice learners.”

The researchED Atlantic Canada conference will be held at the Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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