ESSAYS
Following a Zebra - Reflections on Multicolour Maths
An illustrated reflective essay with covering thoughts and observations over a year of exploring maths with colour. The essay explores my experiences as a portrait painter, musician and performer and how each of these has influenced my newfound understanding and love of mathematics.
Click here to read Following a Zebra
The link will open to a webpage on brooktate.com
Multicolour Maths: using colour, shape and art to aid understanding number
Proceedings paper for the British Society of Research into Learning Mathematics
A six page proceedings paper for BSRLM. This study consists of qualitative and anecdotal data from observations I have made in workshops with primary and secondary students and adults in the UK, India and Nepal. I draw on dual code theory and picture superiority effect (Clark & Paivio, 1991; Nelson, Reed & Walling, 1976) which suggest memory is improved when images are connected to information compared to using text alone. I offer a brief overview of how the method works along with analysis of a selection of artworks created by students. I also present my own personal experience overcoming maths anxiety by engaging with mathematics as a visual artform.
Making Multicolour Maths
An in-depth page by page explanation of how I created the Multicolour Maths method, from severe maths anxiety and finger counting to a fluid pictorial language.