Martin Wabnik is
- Mathematician
- Author and producer of mathematics educational videos
- Operator of the „Mathematik-Werkstatt“ (state-approved educational institution)
- Inventor of many mathematical explanations
Everybody likes mathematics – if you understand it.
For this, math has to be explained.
That is my profession.
On the one hand, it is about the very big picture.
- Why is mathematics true?
- How does mathematics come into being?
- Can it also be explained with pizza?
On the other hand, it is about quite everyday problems.
- How do I solve a math problem?
- How to explain dividing fractions using a model?
- How to understand the fundamental theorem of calculus using paper strips?
Here is the interview that the national initiative „MINT Zukunft schaffen!“ (STEM – Create the Futur) conducted with me:
Martin Wabnik is a STEM ambassador for „MINT Zukunft schaffen!“ and was honoured for his commitment at our STEM Annual Conference 2024 „New Work & School of the Future“ on 6 March 2024 at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam. In this interview, Martin Wabnik tells us more about his motivation for becoming a STEM ambassador.
Mr Wabnik, why are you involved as a STEM ambassador?
Martin Wabnik: In maths you are given tasks and rarely explanations. That’s probably how most of us experienced maths lessons. Nowadays, with the new media, we can not only explain maths in a completely different way, we can even enable every single person to craft maths individually. This requires not only a change in the technical system but also a change in people’s minds. We now have the opportunity to switch from teacher-centred teaching of STEM subjects to student-centred design of these subjects. We should seize this opportunity!
How can we get more young people interested in maths, science and technology careers?
Martin Wabnik: Young people often don’t have the confidence to understand a STEM subject. And if they also get a poor grade in maths, they are finally convinced that they are not smart enough. This can be changed, for example, by offering several ways of understanding in maths lessons and asking each individual: How do you understand it? What is your version of mathematical understanding? Not everyone will probably be interested in a STEM subject, but this way we can make sure that anyone who might be interested can understand such a subject.
What are the focal points of your personal STEM commitment?
Martin Wabnik: I majored in mathematical logic during my studies. I also learnt that formal proofs are not enough to make mathematics an individual and meaningful experience. That’s why, in 2007, I was one of the (two) first people in Germany to systematically use the possibilities of videos to explain maths. In doing so, I had completely different means at my disposal than could be found in a traditional textbook. Thanks to the diverse feedback on the Internet and my more than 30 years of teaching experience, I realised that there is a suitable explanation for every mathematical context and for every person that this person actually understands. My aim is to give everyone the opportunity to find this explanation.
Mr Wabnik, thank you very much for the interview.
