For those teaching on the quarter system, Winter quarter 2021 is more than half way done. Today I administered an oral midterm assessment in Abstract Algebra. Previously I discussed my struggles with inquiry-based learning in this class because of its low enrollment numbers and I secretly wished for more students. Today I fully appreciated theContinue reading “February 11 Day 340: More Appreciative of Less”
Category Archives: mathematics
February 7 Day 336: Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends, Once More
For many warriors of the classroom coronavirus battlefield, Spring semester is about to commence. Whether you are in person, hybrid, or remote, whether you started 5 weeks ago or will do so this week, you might be facing the coming work with a little trepidation. Remember, you are not alone. Despite the isolation, despite theContinue reading “February 7 Day 336: Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends, Once More”
February 5 Day 334: New Adventures in #TacomaMath
#TacomaMath, the math work group of Graduate Tacoma‘s Steam Learning Network, is on a mission to promote mathematics in our community. Our goal? To positively change the culture of mathematics throughout Tacoma. The pandemic threw a wrench into our plans. We swerved and had some successes with sidewalk chalk puzzlers and open ended scavenger questsContinue reading “February 5 Day 334: New Adventures in #TacomaMath”
February 3 Day 332: Oral Encore
We are nearing the halfway point of the quarter. Midterms are looming large. I had promised my Abstract Algebra II class that we would come to consensus on the format of the midterm. They were given several options: In class. Straightforward computations and proofs administered remotely but during class time with no advance warning ofContinue reading “February 3 Day 332: Oral Encore”
January 31 Day 329: Eve of a Presidency
Tomorrow I become President of the Mathematical Association of America for a two year term. What an honor! What a crazy time to take on this responsibility. First, I must publicly thank outgoing president Michael Dorff for his leadership. I realize that this last year in particular was not the presidency for which he hadContinue reading “January 31 Day 329: Eve of a Presidency”
January 28 Day 326: Critical Mass
I have taught this class twice before using inquiry based learning and mostly had positive experiences. This quarter, I don’t know whether it is that the class size is too small or the remote modality is causing the problem, but I am having a hard time holding the students accountable to the work. I’ve neverContinue reading “January 28 Day 326: Critical Mass”
January 24 Day 322: In the Details
I am always surprised when students, even great students, neglect to read instructions. Is it from computer fatigue? The class is delivered online. The book is available online. The assignment is posted online. If they did well on previous assignments, why not just do the same thing and spend less time online? Is it fromContinue reading “January 24 Day 322: In the Details”
January 10 Day 308: How To Clarify?
I thought my instructions were clear. I am teaching an inquiry-based learning class synchronously but remotely. Because of the JMM2021, based on student availability I changed the time of the class last week to 5-7 pm Pacific Standard Time. When someone cannot attend, I have a (less ideal) alternate to participation in class. Here areContinue reading “January 10 Day 308: How To Clarify?”
January 9 Day 307: My New Hero Dr. Chelsea Walton
The Joint Mathematics Meeting is just about over. I have a social engagement remaining but my calendar for presentations, panels, and meetings is done. There were some remarkable moments but if I got to award a “Most Valuable Mathematician #JMM2021“, it would have to go to Dr. Chelsea Walton. Dr. Walton gave two (not oneContinue reading “January 9 Day 307: My New Hero Dr. Chelsea Walton”
January 8 Day 306: What’s Missing?
It’s the end of day three of the Joint Mathematics Meeting. There have been inspiring talks, earnest discussions, fond remembrances, and vulnerable honesty. But the fatigue is real. Conference fatigue + zoom fatigue + emotional fatigue and I am ready to return home. No wait, I’m already there. And that’s what’s missing. We have reachedContinue reading “January 8 Day 306: What’s Missing?”
Math Belongs to All of Us 