GENERALIZATION OF OLYMPIAD PROBLEMS WITH DYNAMIC SOFTWARE

Various meaningful generalizations could be obtained after gaining insight into some mathematical assertions from different points of view. Generalizations of two problems from International Mathematical Olympiad papers are shown when the details are combined with the opportunities of the program software „The Geometer’s Sketchpad “ (GSP).

After the International Mathematical Olympiad: The Educational/Career Decisions and the Development of Mathematical Talent of Former Australian Olympians

This study investigated the educational and career experiences of former Australian Olympians after their participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad. For this purpose, 15 former Olympians were engaged in interviews about how they developed their mathematical talent at university, how they selected their careers, and how they developed their mathematical talent within their careers. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the collected data. The resulting themes provided useful insights into the reasoning behind the selection of one’s area of study, the nature of the study experience, the factors considered in the career decision, and the nature of mathematical development in one’s career. Among other conclusions, the study suggested the applicability of two theories (i.e., the theory of work adjustment and the megamodel of talent development) in understanding the educational/career decisions of this group, the need for more systematic gifted education provisions within tertiary settings, and a prominent “brain drain” effect.

International Congress of Mathematics. CHICAGO. 1893

The circumstances of the International Mathematical Congress in Chicago and the influence of the Congress on the development of mathematical research in the United States are investigated.

Invisible Geniuses: Could the Knowledge Frontier Advance Faster?

A better understanding of the determinants of idea/knowledge production remains critical for long-run growth. Toward this end, this paper establishes two results using data from the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). First, individuals who excelled in teenage years are especially capable of advancing the knowledge frontier. Second, such talented individuals born in poorer countries are systematically less likely to engage in knowledge production. IMO participants from low-income countries produce 34 percent fewer publications and 56 percent fewer citations than equally talented rich-country counterparts. Policies to encourage talented youth to pursue scientific careers—especially those from poorer countries—could advance the knowledge frontier faster. (JEL D83, O30, O47)