“We are not merely spokespersons for unquestionable axioms and rational truths. We are passionate about mathematics and about sharing this passion with others. We inspire enthusiasm and motivation, surprise and joy, through the generosity of our steadfast commitment to progress and to the education of people. Rigorous mathematics is taught with the mind; beautiful mathematics is taught with the heart. Be happy!”
Claudi Alsina
For the Mathematics Department, it is a challenge to contribute to the goals of Colombian education. Therefore, we emphasize the call made through national policies to foster individuals who are happy, well-rounded, and capable of responding to the current needs of society. Likewise, we are aware of the role we play in each student’s life process, and we dedicate our hearts, vocation, and lives to being facilitators and guides along this path.
Objectives
These are the purposes that guide mathematical practice at the IPN in light of the new vision of mathematical knowledge established in the curricular guidelines set forth by the Ministry of National Education:
- To view mathematics as the evolution of an idea throughout history rather than as a collection of independent topics.
- To value the importance of constructive processes and social interaction in the learning of mathematics.
- To prioritize problem situations as the context for mathematical practice in school.
- To consider mathematical knowledge as a powerful intellectual tool whose mastery provides certain intellectual advantages.
- To recognize the impact of new computational technologies on the mathematics curriculum and encourage their use in the classroom.
In addition to guiding the academic spaces established by public policies, the Mathematics Department at the IPN leads origami and chess workshops for Communities 1 through 5. Likewise, it provides all students at the Institute with opportunities to reinforce and strengthen their knowledge through extracurricular tutoring and support sessions, as well as activities such as the Mathematics Club for primary school students and the Mathematics Olympiads for secondary and upper secondary students.
At the upper secondary level, the educational processes offered through the different emphasis areas are reinforced through two elective courses: “Reading to Understand, Meditating to Feel Well” and “What You Should Know About Finance and Were Never Taught”.
About teacher training, the department supports the development of pedagogical practices for the UPN Mathematics Department through its different modalities. It is also open to collaboration with various universities interested in establishing connections to strengthen mathematics teaching. In addition, it provides guidance to teachers from Communities 1 and 2 regarding specific mathematical knowledge and the pedagogical, didactic, and curricular needs that may arise.