Maths: 3 questions for an expert, Pierre-Antoine Guihéneuf (maths teacher-researcher)

Pierre-Antoine Guihéneuf is a teacher-researcher in mathematics at Sorbonne University, does research and popularizes math on the CNRS website – Images des mathématiques. Today, he answers 3 of our questions about this fundamental knowledge!

In recent years, studies published on the level of French students in mathematics present rather alarming figures. From your point of view, to what can we attribute this drop in French performance in mathematics?

There are multiple factors. To name just a few, I think the first could be that the status of teachers in France has changed a lot over the last few decades and I have the impression that this profession is less and less well regarded by society. As a result, the best students no longer necessarily go into teaching careers. We see this at university. Whereas a few years ago, the brightest students were heading towards the CAPES and the mathematics aggregation preparatory exams, now they are heading towards other courses with more applied mathematics, such as financial mathematics where we are looking for profiles with very good training in maths. They are rather well regarded by society and very well paid.

And besides that, the training of mathematics teachers is also perhaps deteriorating due to very close reforms and the trainers of mathematics teachers do not really have the time to put in place adequate training.

How can a child progress in mathematics?

There is only one solution, it is practice! The first time we are confronted with a mathematical object, we are often lost by the fact that it is very abstract. And as we manipulate it, it will remain abstract but it will become more and more familiar, and in a certain sense concrete for the one who manipulates it. The practice of mathematical objects is done through exercises and can also be done through play.

What math-related events would you recommend for families or teachers to attend with their students?

First of all, there is an annual event in Paris, in the spring, it is the Salon Culture et Jeux Mathématiques . This year in 2020, the show carried out a "deMATHrialized" version because of Covid. But normally, you can go there physically and for free. There are fun activities, thematic conferences, competitions, etc.

And every year, there is also the Science Festival taking place throughout France and abroad. This year, it will celebrate its 30th anniversary, from October ^1st to 11th. Universities also hold many events in this context.

Note from Topla: For all curious minds and math fans, you have a range of dedicated games on our site, from the age of 3. To discover them, just click: here !

And we have just released a brand new math game: Math'moi ça !