IIT Palakkad's Math Circle Draws Massive Participation, Fostering a Thriving Student Mathematical Community

IT Palakkad in association with Samagra Shiksha Kerala Palakkad Unit organised a captivating selection workshop on 26 June 2023 at the campus for the latest edition of the Palakkad Math Circle, witnessing an impressive turnout of over 350 students from grades 8 and 9. The workshop received applications from 35 schools in the Palakkad and Chittoor educational sub-districts.

Palakkad Maths Circle is one of the novel initiatives of IIT Palakkad that aims to enhance the level of mathematics education in schools around Palakkad district. During the workshop, students actively engaged in sessions focused on logic, combinatorics and geometry. Following these enlightening sessions, a written test was conducted and the top performers will join the Math Circle sessions starting in July.

This unique program brings together around 30-40 high school students and a Mathematician in a casual weekend gathering, fostering an informal and interactive environment for tackling interesting mathematical problems and exploring various topics. Instead of traditional lectures, Math Circle sessions resemble vibrant kindergarten classrooms, where interactive discussions and lively debates take place. The students are encouraged to think creatively, and their active involvement in discussions is highly valued. Palakkad Math Circle does not follow a rigid syllabus and uses internationally acclaimed yardsticks to score a Math Circle session. Points are awarded for presentation skills, discussions, and well-reasoned arguments. Participation in Math Circle sessions is entirely voluntary, allowing students to pursue their passion for mathematics at their own pace.