Typically, government teachers and education officials in developing countries believe that children from poor families with illiterate parents are incapable of greatness. And too few development experts believe that part of the solution to poverty can come from the poor themselves. Steve disagrees with both of these statements. Why? His research reveals that in some of the poorest parts of the world live children who possess exceptional and extraordinary talents. Yet these children wait to be discovered. Their contribution to economic growth and development wasted because no one believes they are there. Children don’t know what they can achieve.
With over 20 years experience as a mathematics subject leader in various educational establishments, Steve became the Senior Regional Coordinator for the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), which he undertook for five years. Currently he works at Newcastle University, teaching mathematics on the Primary and Secondary PGCE. Steves research focuses on talented children in low-income areas of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and their possible contribution to the eradication of poverty.
Steve is a Member of the European Mathematical Society (EMS) Committee for Raising the Public Awareness of Mathematics in Europe and a fellow of The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). To promote public interest in mathematics he has written a fortnightly newspaper column as ‘DrMaths’, as well as a range of puzzles ‘explorer’ books and a number of classroom resources.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
