P. K. Srinivasan

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P.K. Srinivasan (November 4, 1924-June 20, 2005) was a well known mathematics teacher in India, and taught mathematics at the Muthialpet High School in Chennai, India until his retirement. He is known in India for his dedication to teaching mathematics and in creating awareness of the Indian mathematician Ramanujan. He has authored several books in both English and Tamil that introduced mathematics to children in novel and interesting ways. He was also a prominent reviewer of math books in the weekly Book Review column of the Indian newspaper The Hindu in Chennai.

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[edit] Experience

In addition to teaching mathematics in Chennai, he was also a Fulbright exchange teacher in the United States for a short period. Later he served as a Senior Education Officer and a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics in Nigeria for a few years, and as a lecturer in the National Council of Educational and Research Trust (NCERT) in India. He had organized over sixty math expositions and fairs in India, Nigeria and in the United States, and participated actively in several Intercontinental Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME) conferences.

In addition, he was the founder and the Curator-Director of Ramanujan Museum and Math Education Centre which he helped establish in 1993. He was also one of the founders of the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI) in 1965.

[edit] Honours

He was awarded the National Science Award by government of India in 1991 for promoting the cause of mathematics education to enable children to learn mathematics with interest and enthusiasm.

[edit] Philosophy

He advocated the use of simple inexpensive materials improvising them to illustrate mathematical concepts whenever they are introduced and almost lead a crusade against the mere rote learning techniques and drill. He also indicated the efficacy of introducing non-routine thinking when the child can grasp, using the concepts introduced, leading to problem solving techniques and innovative strategies.

[edit] Memorial Meeting

A meeting to pay homage to his memory was organised on 8th July 2005 by AMTI in the Dakshinamoorthy auditorium, P.S.Higher secondary school, Mylapore, Chennai. Many speakers who were his associates, admirers, friends and relatives spoke of the momentum he brought to the movement of Mathematics Education in the country. It was mentioned by more than one speaker at that time that the best tribute to his memory would be for Mathematics teachers to make mathematics learning interesting for the children.

Here is a note in the newspaper The Hindu about P.K. Srinivasan's passing away.

[edit] Books and Articles

  • Maths Club Activities
  • A Mathematical Delight
  • Number Fun with a Calendar
  • How to Promote Creativity in Learning Mathematics - published by Lakshmi Ganapathy Educational and Charitable Trust, Chennai, India.
  • Ramanujam Memorial Number Vol 1 - Letter and Reminiscences - a compilation (Ed.)
  • Ramanujam Memorial Number Vol 2 - An Inspiration (Ed.)
  • Introduction to the Creativity of Ramanujan - Instruction Guides to Primary, Middle and High School Teachers
  • Game Way Math - published by Lakshmi Ganapathy Educational and Charitable Trust, Chennai, India.
  • Mathematics and Magic Squares.

[edit] Book Reviews

Srinivasan was a prominent reviewer of math books in the weekly Book Review column of the Indian newspaper The Hindu in Chennai: