The course employs many features of a “flipped classroom”. Class work is based on solving problems (without a calculator!). Theoretical concepts are introduced when the problems being worked on require them. Students are expected to complete assigned readings to learn (or review) and practice concepts prior to the class in which they are needed.

I will describe how the course works and why we consider it a success.

The competition’s purpose is to attract as many students as possible and show them that mathematics can be accessible, useful, interesting, and even fun. Since joining the International Association “Kangaroo without Borders” in 2006, the CMKC has formed hosting partnerships with multiple universities and prestigious organizations across the country. Over the past 9 years, the CMKC has grown significantly from its humble beginnings with approximately 300 participants at 3 locations to 3332 students nationwide in the 2014 competition at 26 locations.

Training activities were developed as a direct response to the parents and participants’ request for more practice opportunities. All training activities provide participants with rich instructional and problem solving experience, as well as with opportunities for socializing and communicating with other people of similar interests.

All of the components of this national program are inclusive and open to students from a diverse range of abilities, regardless of their gender or family and financial backgrounds. The mathematically promising students from all ages uniquely benefit from the CMKC program. These students are usually under-served in the public education system, which does not provide them with enough challenging and motivating tasks.