For the past two days, I have come home after long days at work with a smile on my face and bounce in my step.
Tuesday was focused on students. I wanted my Matrix Algebra class to explore topics that were definition heavy and considered by many to be dry and process-oriented. Rather than curating a careful set of practice problems, I gave them a very open prompt “Create a pet 2×3 matrix and see what happens when you combine it with various special matrices.” They worked together in groups of 2-3, with everyone taking turns writing. Twenty-five minutes later, they had noticed all the important properties that I could have lectured on (but didn’t), had examples to illustrate each, and asked excellent questions. I saw multiple lightbulb moments and couldn’t have more proud of the work that they did.
Today, Wednesday, was focused on mathematics. I have a regular “research”meeting with my colleague Naiomi Cameron. Sometimes we do math. Sometimes we just chat and support each other. We’ve been less focused lately as we recover from the holidays, travel, and the start of winter classes. However Naiomi had a brilliant idea this morning and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. What started with generating functions, went to recurrence relations, and by the end of the day, I can say I understand the objects combinatorially. It felt great and reminded me why I am a mathematician. Thus stuff is fun!
What made these two days better than others? I think the answer is tied to having a clear image of what I want (an interactive and productive class, mathematical success) and grabbing the opportunity to make it happen.
Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame) wrote “Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.”
I am primarily a positive, forward-thinking person and lately things have been manifesting in delightful and surprising ways. I don’t want to be greedy but I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Math Belongs to All of Us 