Nine hours over three days were required to complete the oral final. It was a test of stamina for me. Yet surprisingly pleasant. The Method One week in advance, students were given nine questions on which the examination would be drawn. They could use all resources available to prepare including but not limited to: eachContinue reading “June 11 Day 95: Finals. Part II.”
Category Archives: mathematics
June 10 Day 94: Finals. Part I.
I spent 5 straight hours sitting in the home office without stirring. Three hours were spent administering back-to-back oral exams —two questions, twenty minutes, and no time to spare. Two more hours were spent on a more traditional remotely administered final exam in my mastery based precalculus class. This is my first time using anContinue reading “June 10 Day 94: Finals. Part I.”
June 6 Day 90: We Are Math Club
What does Math Club do at its last official meeting of the academic year? Nominate a slate of officers for the coming year. Plan a “drive by” celebration to: congratulate the graduating seniors; announce the results of the officer election; distribute math awards; and see friends at-a-distance-but-in-real-life for the first time in too long. ThinkContinue reading “June 6 Day 90: We Are Math Club”
June 2 Day 86: Amplify Their Voices
I am listening. I am learning. I see your pain, your fear, and your burden. Black Lives Matter. I must do better. And I’m still sorry. https://www.nctm.org/News-and-Calendar/News/NCTM-News-Releases/A-Statement-on-George-Floyd,-Breonna-Taylor,-and-Ahmaud-Arbery/
June 1 Day 85: Puzzles and Play
I have four more days of remote teaching this quarter, not including final exams. It has been a long haul since this journey began March 9 but I see the finish line within my sights and I can keep pushing through to the end. It can be hard to concentrate through isolation and the currentContinue reading “June 1 Day 85: Puzzles and Play”
May 28 Day 81: Celebrations Both Belated and Virtual
Tonight we celebrated the achievements of the University of Washington Tacoma mathematics majors. It was a multimedia zoom extravaganza with the faculty leaning in to make it extra special. Just look at the program: There was something for everyone—special videos, Pi Mu Epsilon honor society induction, singing (!?!) , awards, and math(ish) trivia. My favoriteContinue reading “May 28 Day 81: Celebrations Both Belated and Virtual”
May 25 Day 78: Women in Mathematics
There are surprising parallels between mathematics, LuxArt, and remote emergency teaching. In each case, I know what I hope to achieve and have many tools to help me succeed. Once started on a journey, I make my best guesses and hope that time will prove my actions worthwhile.
May 24 Day 77: Shine Your Light
Finding balance in isolation has been a challenge. My foci have been: creating community within my classroom and my professional association, sharing space and supporting priorities of family members, and meeting my commitments. Since March 9, my number one priority has been to survive the jarring upheaval that was this academic year in the timeContinue reading “May 24 Day 77: Shine Your Light”
May 21 Day 74: Resting Zoom Face
Today was the first day of an MAA Board of Directors quarterly meeting. I tried to get a screenshot to share but honestly, our resting zoom faces didn’t show us in the best light. I fixed it! Now everyone has a smile. What do you think? For MAA friends, can you match the pictures toContinue reading “May 21 Day 74: Resting Zoom Face”
May 18 Day 71: Did It!
If you are keeping track—it’s after midnight but I cleared my grading queue to zero. It won’t last long so I wanted to take this moment to celebrate! Now to sleep. Sweet dreams.
Math Belongs to All of Us 