Renowned Math Educator to Speak at Mercer

606

ATLANTA – Renowned mathematics educator Colin Hannaford, director of the Institute for Democracy from Mathematics in Oxford, England, will speak Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at Mercer University on the connection between democracy and mathematics. The lectures are free of charge and open to the public.

The Sept. 30 lecture, “Mathematics, Democracy and Ethics,” will be held on the Macon campus in room 100 of the McCorkle Music Building from 4:30 until 6 p.m. The Oct. 1 lecture, “Mathematics: Away from Anxiety, A Way to Autonomous Learning,” will be held at the Henry County Regional Academic Center in room 127 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. Hannaford’s research on mathematics education maintains that math has a real moral basis, and when taught correctly, can teach generosity, responsibility and self-reliance.

“The visit by Colin Hannaford to Mercer comes at a critical time in our nation’s history: emerging conflicts and democracies around the world, globalization and its impact on world economies and communities, conflict resolution, and efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation within communities and between countries and nations,” said Dr. Hani Khoury, associate professor of mathematics in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. “I believe that Colin Hannaford will provide us with insight and perspective on the teaching and learning of mathematics as a means of achieving and sustaining democratic, critical and autonomous thinking.”

Dr. Duane Davis, professor of philosophy and religion, said that Hannaford’s visit to Mercer “will provide a unique opportunity for the university and the community to work and think together about the critical role of education in the development of democratic values. Professor Hannaford recently participated in the Sudan Peace Conference held in London. In March 2006, he will address an assembly of educators in the Arab nation of Qatar at the invitation of Sheikha Mozha, wife of the Amir, on the subject of teaching democratic values through mathematics. To spend quality time with someone in such demand in both Europe and the Middle East on such a critical subject is an opportunity both rare and timely.”

For more information about the lectures, contact Dr. Hani Khoury at 678-547-5391. For more information about Dr. Hannaford, or to download some of his teaching materials, please visit www.gardenofdemocracy.org.

Founded in 1833, Mercer University has campuses in Macon and Atlanta as well as three regional academic centers. With 10 schools and colleges, the University offers programs in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law and theology. For 16 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Mercer University as one of the leading universities in the South.