Louise Doris Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
L. D. Adams
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| Born |
Louise Doris Adams
2 July 1889 |
| Died | 24 December 1965 (aged 76) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Bedford College, London |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
Louise Doris Adams (born July 2, 1889 – died December 24, 1965) was an important British expert in teaching mathematics. She also worked as a school inspector, checking how schools were doing. She wrote a famous book called A Background to Primary School Mathematics in 1953. Later, in 1959, she became the president of the Mathematical Association, a big group for math teachers and experts.
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The Life of Louise Doris Adams
Louise Doris Adams studied mathematics at Bedford College, London. She earned her degree with good grades in 1911. After college, she became a school inspector, often called an HMI in Britain. Her work as an inspector mostly happened in the West Country area, especially around Bristol. She stopped working as an inspector in 1950.
Her Role in the Mathematical Association
Adams joined the Mathematical Association around 1915. She was a member for 51 years, showing her long-term dedication. In 1946, she became part of the Teaching Sub-Committee of the Mathematical Association. She later became the leader of this committee in 1954 and stayed a member until she passed away. She also helped with other committees focused on different areas of math education.
In 1959, Louise Doris Adams became the president of the Mathematical Association. This was a big achievement because she was only the second woman to hold this important position since the association started in 1871. The first woman president was Mary Cartwright in 1951. Adams was also the second school inspector (HMI) to become president. She died in 1965.
Her Impact on Math Education
Louise Doris Adams had a lot of experience as both a teacher and a school inspector. She used this experience to write her book, A Background to Primary School Mathematics, published in 1953.
Her Book: A New Way to Learn Math
Her book was written for teachers who taught math to younger students in primary schools. It used real-life examples from about 80 students. Adams suggested that teaching math should connect to what students already know and experience in their daily lives. Her ideas were very inspiring to many teachers. She believed that playing with math tools was more helpful than just memorizing facts without understanding them. This idea helped change how math was taught.
Changing How Math Was Taught
As a member of the Teaching Sub-Committee of the Mathematical Association, Adams helped change the group's focus. They started thinking more about how students learn, not just what they should be taught. She also pushed for the association to include primary school education, not just secondary (high school) education, in their plans.
Both her book and her speech as president of the Mathematical Association were very important. They helped start big changes in how math was taught in the UK. She also played a key role in writing a report in 1955 called The Teaching of Mathematics in Primary Schools. This report also greatly influenced the reform of math education.
