Spring 2015
I am currently teaching Calculus 1, Math 125-01.
This course covers a review of elementary functions, the basic concepts of the derivative and definite integral, techniques of differentiation, applications of differentiation, basic optimization and modeling. Every topic is covered according to the "Rule of Four," that is, studying functions through four representations: graphs, tables, formulas, and words. This course is the accelerated version of Math 122A/B.
Here is a link to the course policy, and here is a link to the Department's website for Math 125. Information for my students can be found in D2L.
Why I Teach
My favorite moments in teaching are the moments when a student comes to understand something they have been confused about. These moments are what induced me to study math myself in the first place, and I love giving that joy to other people too.
My philosophy is that students learn best by trying problems themselves, but many entry-level students do not have study habits in place that involve regular problem-solving. Therefore, in my courses I place considerable importance on the reading that students do at home before class and allow plenty of time in the classroom for active problem-solving. With my accelerated Calculus 1 class this semester I am implementing a flipped classroom.
Previous Semesters
Fall 2014: Math 122B-016 (First Semester Calculus)
Summer 2014: Math 112-003 (College Algebra)
Spring 2014: Math 112-007 (College Algebra)
Fall 2013: Math 112-004 (College Algebra)
Sonia Kovalevsky Day workshops
March 2013: Tower of Hanoi. I developed a workshop that led participants to solve the puzzle hands-on and then learn about recurrence relations to solve it mathematically. I co-taught the workshop with Megan McCormick. Here is the full handout for our workshop.
March 2012: Instant Insanity. In collaboration with Dr. Carrie Wright, I helped lead a workshop on graph theory, based on the game Instant Insanity. Here is a worksheet I put together to give participants an introduction to the language of graph theory.