Class 1: Introduction and Overview
Exercise 1 (h/t Federico Ardila):
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(a) Write down 3-5 words that first come to mind as you listen to the opening song.
(b) Think of one of your favorite songs. Write down 3-5 words that first come to mind when you think of that song.
(c) Discuss in groups. How can you bring these qualities into your exposition of mathematics?
Exercise 2: Watch a talk (math, ted, etc) in groups of 3-4 and answer the following questions (to record individually although 1-6 can be the same for your group):
- What was the topic/title of the talk?
- Give the URL of the talk
- List 5 effective rhetorical moves made by the speaker (if unfamiliar w/ R.M., comment on language).
- Comment on the motion, facial expressions and body language of the speaker.
- What was the least successful aspect of the talk?
- How was the talk organized? Create a simple outline of the talk that communicates its overall structure.
- List 5 aspects of the talk that you might try to emulate in your talks this semester.
Class 2: Getting to Know You
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Prepare and give a 2-3-minute talk that begins with the phrase, "You
wouldn't know it by looking at me, but...." You will not use
slides, props, or the whiteboard for this talk. Your goal is a give
a clear and compelling talk with a solid beginning, middle, and end.
Class 3-4: Aha! Moments
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Prepare a 5 minute talk about a personal "Aha!" moment in mathematics.
Focus your talk on a favorite mathematical idea or theorem. Practice
with team, submit pre-talk reflection if you are speaking. (See the
home page for specific instructions on
naming and submitting your PDFs.)
Class 5 and Class 6: Impact on Society
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Prepare and give a 5 minute talk that demonstrates that, as an HMC
student, you have a "clear understanding of the impact of [your]
work on society." Your
goal is to give a solidly structured talk that seamlessly
incorporates slides.
Class 7 and 8: Outside Math Comfort Zone
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Prepare and give a 5 minute talk in an area of mathematics that is
outside your comfort zone. Choose a topic that is not in an area of
your primary interest. Your goal is to develop confidence even when
discussing subjects that are outside of your comfort zone.
Class 9: Spring Break
Class 10: Two Minute Pitch
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Prepare a 2-minute pitch for your 10-minute
talk and 5 goals for the talk. Your pitch should include the topic,
a simple outline of the big ideas, and take-away message. Be
prepared to discuss your choice of ideas and ordering. You may use
one slide. Upload it all to Sakai by 11PM the night before class.
Class 11, 12, 13, 14: 10-minute Mathematics Talks
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Prepare and give an 8-10 minute "technical" mathematics talk. Your
main goal for this assignment is to give a clear and compelling
talk, and to answer questions from your classmates after your talk
with confidence and poise.
By the night before your 10-minute talk, you should prepare an abstract for your talk, and you should schedule a 15 minute appointment with me. During this appointment, we'll discuss your recent talks and the goals you have for your final talk in Math Forum.
Class 15: Evaluations and wrap-up. Reflection Essay due.
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Write a 750-1000 word reflective essay about your growth as a speaker
in Math Forum. Successful essays will incorporate specific examples
of lessons learned, together with accompanying allusions to your own
talks as evidence. Readers of your essay should easily be able to
sense the extent to which you have been engaged in Math Forum.
Please note that the audience for your essay is primarily your instructor, but every member of the mathematics faculty should be able to read (and enjoy) your essay. Finally, to submit your essay, please upload a PDF copy of your essay to your drop box, and please name your file lastname-essay.pdf.