Chalk & Talk The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich (Ep 52)
Jul 28, 2025
Join Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a Rutgers math professor and passionate math outreach advocate, as he champions the importance of practice in mathematics, comparing it to music and sports. He shares insights into the innovative Math Corps, a summer program that combines rigorous learning with high expectations, ensuring inclusivity in math education. The discussion also delves into engaging teaching strategies like gamification and unique hand gestures to foster collaborative learning. Plus, a thought-provoking conversation on 'A Mathematician's Lament' rounds out the enlightening dialogue.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Undervaluation of Math Practice
- Math practice is undervalued compared to music or sports in culture.
- Asking "What's the rush?" in math practice sounds absurd in other skill contexts like piano or soccer.
Kontorovich's Outreach Journey
- Alex Kontorovich got involved in outreach through NSF grant requirements that pushed him beyond traditional teaching.
- He found joy in public talks and connecting with learners at all levels, not just research peers.
Math Corps Program Structure
- Math Corps is a summer program teaching foundational math skills with high expectations.
- It blends skill practice with creative problem exploration for 7th-9th graders taught by high school TAs.
