Curtin University\u2019s Professor Louis Caccetta\u2019s Maths Enrichment Program is helping demystify preconceived attitudes towards maths for school-aged students all over Western Australia.<\/p>\n
More than a decade in the running, Professor Caccetta\u2019s program was initiated in response to the declining interest in maths from schools and the perception that maths was a \u2018hard\u2019 subject.<\/p>\n
Professor Caccetta said he wanted to establish a comprehensive maths enrichment program in WA that could help students to recognise the application of their skills to real-world issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a feeling that WA had its share of mathematically talented students, but they weren\u2019t being completely captured or nurtured, and we wanted the program to give them the additional assistance required to fully develop good maths skills,\u201d Professor Caccetta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want these students to really start using their problem solving skills at an early stage in order to prepare them for a range of potential future careers. We get them thinking strategically by exposing them to a breadth of maths, including puzzles and problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften students discover that the solution required to a complex issue is simpler than they expect and by exposing them to that experience, they are encouraged to sharpen those skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Caccetta said the study of maths required patience and flexibility to tackle problems which sometimes required a multi-disciplinary approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaths experts can use these skills to help make major industries, such as finance, transport, agriculture, communications, technology and mining, more efficient and therefore, less costly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the technology in our society is advancing at a faster rate than any other time in history, we need professionals who can approach these issues in a holistic manner, using mathematical technology to act as a productivity engine for industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst today\u2019s computer technology provides enormous power to store, access and process complex data, mathematicians using smart models and algorithms are the linking key to extracting the information upon which the most effective management and operation decisions can be made.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Caccetta said maths skills were in great demand and students who went on to study at a university level could go on to a variety of rewarding careers in the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so important to have the tools to answer the \u2018what if\u2019 questions out there. This is the most powerful contribution maths makes to the real world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Professor Caccetta and the WA Centre of Excellence in Industrial Optimisation team has undertaken collaboration with key industry partners in a number of innovative, industrially relevant optimisation research projects.<\/p>\n
For more information about the program visit the web page: http:\/\/maths.curtin.edu.au\/enrichment.cfm<\/a><\/p>\n Contacts:<\/p>\n Professor Louis Caccetta Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
\nHead, Department of Maths and Statistics, School of Science, Curtin University
\nTel: 08 9266 7234, Email: l.caccetta@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTel: 08 9266 4241, Mobile: 0401 103 755, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n