Creativity in Mathematics: Inquiry-Based Learning and the Moore Method

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2 responses to “Creativity in Mathematics: Inquiry-Based Learning and the Moore Method”

1. 

   Sue VanHattum

   December 13, 2011

   Whenever Moore is mentioned in this positive light, I think it’s important to recognize his racism – he didn’t allow Black students in his classes. What a terrible shame that such a brilliant teacher wasn’t ready to welcome students of all races.

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   1. 

      japheth

      December 13, 2011

      I agree that Moore’s racism should be acknowledged (it is a terrible shame), and I recall that this is well-documented in the recent biography R. L. Moore: Mathematician and Teacher (Mathematical Association of America, 2005). This aspect of Moore’s life was also addressed head-on in the Legacy of R. L. Moore conferences that I attended.

      The film Creativity in Mathematics: Inquiry-Based Learning and the Moore Method doesn’t mention Moore’s racism, though.

      I think the film does a great job introducing IBL in a positive light, and tracing its American roots in undergraduate and graduate-level mathematics (to R. L. Moore). I understood the historical aspect of the film as a way of emphasizing that IBL is an American tradition. That’s nice, but personally I don’t have a problem with looking elsewhere, as well, for educational innovations.

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