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Large, introductory STEM courses are well-documented as playing an outsized role in dissuading members of historically excluded groups from pursuing STEM careers. I recognize that, as an instructor of large, introductory mathematics courses, the course design decisions that I make will affect your perceived ability and desire to concentrate in a STEM field. My sincere hope is that you leave my classes a more capable and resilient problem solver and that you feel supported in this journey.
I acknowledge that not every student will have this idealized experience.
I am committed to continuing my education about evidenced-based and equity-focussed approaches to teaching, and to learning from the hundreds of students I have the pleasure of teaching each semester. If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns about this course, or STEM education at Brown, I welcome your perspective and encourage you to reach out to me.
Current Courses
Current Courses
Math Teaching Fellows Program--Cohort Based Undergraduate TA Training Program
Math 0520: Linear Algebra--With Team-Based Learning
Math 0190: Advanced Placement Calculus
Previous Courses
Previous Courses
Methods
Methods
A few things I do to create a welcoming environment include:
sharing stories of my own struggles with mathematics;
taking time to foster positive peer-to-peer interactions;
encouraging students to reflect on what does and does not work for them; and
centering student inquiry and different perspectives on problem solving.
"[Professor Kostiuk] makes important points when questions are asked instead of repeating things already said. Everyone learns something when a question is asked, so it feels valuable to ask a question."
Technology in the Classroom
Technology in the Classroom
I find using technology in my teaching helps to improve the understanding of concepts. Here are some of the ways I have used tech to enhance my classes:
tablet/stylus for lecturing;
live sage demonstrations;
video recording of lectures.
One thing I took away from a course-design institue was "High touch is better than high tech". Technology in the classroom is powerful, but it's important to be mindful of its purpose. Arguably the most important technology I use is Google Forms to conduct check-ins with my students; it's not fancy, but it allows me to have a pulse on how my students are feeling week-to-week.
"I enjoyed your teaching style, because you made the material engaging and fun... [by] using real world and visual examples"
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