Beyond Numbers: Rethinking ability and inclusivity in Mathematics with Francis Su and James Pietsch.

In this episode of "Learning Conversations," host Lyndal Tait discusses the nature and purpose of school education with mathematician Francis Su and Inaburra Principal James Pietsch.

Francis, a former president of the Mathematical Association of America and author of "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," emphasises the importance of mathematics for its beauty, practicality, and role in improving the human experience. He critiques the performative aspects of mathematics that often exclude people who don't see themselves as maths savvy, and advocates for a more inclusive approach that recognises various ways of being mathematical. James, also with a background in Mathematics and Psychology, highlights the cultural biases in intelligence testing and the fixed views of intelligence that can limit students' potential.

The conversation stresses the importance of struggle and perseverance, and the role of mathematics in fostering virtues like hospitality and justice. They also discuss the impact of AI on mathematics education and the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and number sense beyond learning basic arithmetic and times tables.

Speakers:

Francis Su - Author, Mathematical Explorer

Francis Su writes about the dignity of human beings and the wonder of mathematical teaching.  He is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college math faculty, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and the New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages has been termed “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time” by James Tanton of the Global Math Project. It offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone should learn it.

​His scholarly work can be found at his Harvey Mudd College webpage.

Dr James Pietsch – Principal Inaburra School

Dr James Pietsch became Principal of Inaburra School at the start of 2018. Prior to commencing at Inaburra, Dr Pietsch was the Dean of Professional Development and Learning at St Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why where he had previously been Head of Mathematics. He has also held positions as the Dean of Residents at New College at the University of NSW, and as a lecturer and tutor in educational psychology at the University of Sydney. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology and brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his role as Principal.

James is the author of the book Character Reborn: A Philosophy of Christian Education (2018).

Lyndal Tait –Leader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School

Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachers’ job intent