‘What is the Point of Mathematics?’ interview with Dr Nira Chamberlain

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Prof. Nira Chamberlain – President of the Mathematical Association – for the vlog series he host, which asks the question ‘What is the point of mathematics?’. We discussed the issue of poor numeracy in the UK and the impact this is having on individuals, society and the economy and how a good maths education can improve things. I also won the prize for having the best virtual maths background!

In the interview I refer to a couple of statistics that I couldn’t confirm. Here they are with sources:

1. 45% of state-funded secondary schools surveyed were using non-specialist teachers for at least ‘some’ maths lessons – NFER Report (2022)
2. 44% of teachers in England plan to quit within five years – Guardian article (2022)

Nira believes that the question ‘What is the point of mathematics?’ is a very important one for all people who live and work with mathematics. He, with the Mathematical Association, are on a mission to promote and embrace a strong mathematical identity which promotes and supports teachers and those using mathematics, and to boost confidence using, applying, learning and teaching mathematics. 

Watch all of Dr Nira’s ‘What is the Point in Mathematics’ vlog series here.