The Mathematics Education faculty of the College of Staten Island recently made a remarkable impact at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath). Dr. Judit Kerekes and Dr. Ödön Vancsó, esteemed members of the School of Education, spearheaded a month-long series of interactive workshops designed to engage young learners in the world of mathematics.
Every Saturday in February, Drs. Kerekes and Vancsó, with the assistance of former and current CSI education students, offered free, hands-on workshops for children aged 3 to 18. These workshops were inclusive, welcoming children with special needs, including those who are deaf and mute. Their efforts align with the Playmath method, an innovative approach rooted in learning through experience and engagement.
Playmath, a methodology emphasizing intuitive understanding over rote memorization, enables children to grasp mathematical concepts through interactive games. Each game incorporates adjustable challenges and presents structures that blend geometric and algebraic representations. By physically manipulating functions and exploring structural transformations, participants gain a deeper and more meaningful understanding of mathematical principles.
The initiative served as a precursor to the 18th Annual Mathematics Connections Conference, which will take place from April 2 to April 10 at CSI. A key highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Imre Kökényesi on April 9. Kökényesi, a renowned game, puzzle, and toy designer, teaches design at Moholy-Nagy University of Art & Design Budapest (MOME) and leads research in cognitive development and educational methods. His expertise in integrating artificial intelligence with traditional learning tools aims to revolutionize early childhood math education.
Through their collaboration with MoMath and commitment to Playmath, CSI’s Mathematics Education faculty continues to push the boundaries of interactive and inclusive learning, inspiring the next generation of mathematicians and educators.
