Dr. Mike Thomas

B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., Ph.D., C.Math., F.I.M.A.

Background

I was born in Hereford, UK, and have a BSc (Hons) in Pure Mathematics and MSc and PhD degrees in Mathematics Education, from Warwick University, UK. I am a fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications (UK).

I taught mathematics in secondary schools in Britain for 21 years, including 10 years as a Director of Computer Studies. I was at Bablake School in Coventry for 16 years.

Research

I have spent the last 10 years researching and writing about the value of the computer paradigm for enhancing the teaching and understanding of mathematics, working with David Tall and Rolph Schwarzenberger. My PhD, supervised by David Tall at Warwick University, looked at methods of improving children's conceptual understanding of algebra (generalised arithmetic) using programming and computer software to give them a mental model of a variable with which to build and test algebraic concepts.

Experience

Academic positions

  • 1972-1993 Teacher of mathematics and computer studies, UK

  • 1993- Lecturer in Mathematics Education

  • 1997- Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education

    Conferences

  • International Conference on Psychology of Mathematics Education, 1986

  • International Congress on Mathematics Education, 1988

  • NZ Mathematics Colloquium 1994

  • Mathematics Education Research Group Australasia Conference, 94

  • NZ Assoc. Maths Teachers Conferences, 1993, 95

  • NZ Assoc. Research in Education Conference, 1995

    Committees & Associations

  • 1981-92 Examiner for Joint Matriculation Board, UK, to advanced level

  • 1987- Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications

  • 1990- Chartered Mathematician

  • 1994- Member, Board of Studies, Diploma of Mathematics Education, The University of Auckland

  • 1994-5 Executive member, Auckland Mathematics Association

  • 1994- Computer committee member, Mathematics Department, The University of Auckland

    Member of the following associations:

  • Mathematics Education Research Group Australasia

  • NZ Association of Mathematics Teachers

  • Auckland Mathematics Association

  • NZ Association for Research in Education

  • Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications

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    Last updated 16 February 1996

    Send suggestions and queries to e-mail link m.thomas@math.auckland.ac.nz.