Dr Bharath Sriraman
Wednesday 2^nd April 2008
3:30-5pm

Abstract:
In this lecture, an overview of the state of mathematics gifted education in the U.S will be provided. The role of sociopolitical, cultural and curricular forces on how mathematics content is delivered for gifted and talented students in the U.S and elsewhere will be addressed. The lecture will also address the tension between voices emphasizing equity over excellence and vice versa, as well as issues (and biases) related to (a) eastern versus western models of talent development (b) the construct of mathematical intelligence, (c) the identification of mathematically talented students among minorities and second language learners, and (d) effective and ineffective intra and extra-curricular programming and curricular techniques.

Bharath Sriraman is Associate Professor of Mathematics in the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences and Core Faculty of Central/SW Asian Studies at The University of Montana, with a wide range eclectic research interests. He lives in Western Montana byway of the merchant marine; Alaska (B.S in mathematics, University of Alaska- Fairbanks) and Northern Illinois (M.S & PhD in mathematics, minor in mathematics education). He comes from a background of one interested in linguistics and comparative philosophy accidentally turning to mathematics as an easy route to academic degrees, who later “found” himself in mathematics education as a result of teaching in U.S public schools. He maintains an active interest in mathematics education, educational philosophy, history and philosophy of mathematics and science, creativity; innovation and talent development; gender studies; and political and social justice dimensions of education. He has published over 150 journal articles, commentaries, book chapters, edited books and reviews in his areas of interest, and presented over 90 papers at international conferences, symposia and invited colloquiua. For a full list visit http://www.math.umt.edu/sriraman/presented.html.