What is a Math Circle?

Purpose

• To cultivate awareness and appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematical ideas towards understanding the world.

• To dispel anxiety and fear of mathematics among school students.

Features

• Engages students through creative means such as a game, an activity or an enticing problem with emphasis on active and interactive learning.

• No set syllabus - the objective is not to cover material but to select topics that have the potential to make for an engaging session.

• Teacher involvement - school teachers are encouraged to participate in the sessions for wider reach beyond the selected students.

• Interactive - session resembles a kindergarten classroom more than a college lecture.

• Voluntary - participation is voluntary but commitment is expected.

• ​​Accelerated learning - sessions led by mathematicians who present the content at a deep level and ensure that some of the occasional profound questions raised get the attention they demand.

How does it work?

• IIT Palakkad selects a small group of students from schools in Palakkad at the beginning of each academic year via a selection workshop.

• The selected group meets on the second Saturday and the fourth Sunday of every month for a half-day session till the students complete their 10th standard.

• Each session focuses on a particular math topic and the students learn from and interact (in English/Malayalam/Tamil) with mentors who are passionate about that topic.

• Sessions held at IIT Palakkad campus and transportation from and to Palakkad town are arranged.

• No fee or compulsory attendance or examinations. Wherever possible, study material is provided.

Selection Workshop