On Mathematical Maturity (1) Thomas Garrity

Mathematical maturity is a key concept for the professional life of a mathematician. The term "mathematical maturity" is often used by college and university mathematicians. As I have discovered in the last few weeks at PCMI, it is not a common term among K-12 teachers, though few have any problem in recognizing what it basically means. This is in marked contrast to people in most academic disciplines. Join the discussion of the importance of mathematical maturity and hear some unusual ways we can use the concept to help us in our careers, our teaching, our mentoring and our departments. Mathematical maturity is not an either/or concept but is more a process should continue for each of us throughout our mathematical lives.

Presented at the 27th Annual PCMI Summer Session, Random Matrices, held June 25 – July 15, 2017. The residential, three-week Summer Session is the flagship activity of the IAS/Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI).

The Institute for Advanced Study / IAS / Park City Mathematics Institute (PCMI) is designed for mathematics educators at the secondary and post-secondary level, as well as mathematics researchers and students at the post-secondary level. These groups find at PCMI an intensive mathematical experience geared to their individual needs. Moreover, the interaction among groups with different backgrounds and professional needs increases each participant’s appreciation of the mathematical community as a whole as well as the work of participants in different areas.

For more information, visit https://pcmi.ias.edu