Teaching
Philosophy and Approach
Authentic Problem Solving:
Reasoning – mathematics is more a way of thinking than a body of knowledge; promote sense-making and metacognition, a continuous monitoring of understanding.
Flexibility – emphasize the problem-solving process, ask for and appreciate multiple solution pathways to the same problem so that students can adapt their learning to new problems and diverse contexts.
Connections – remove the idea of mathematics as a collection of isolated topics and methods to commit to memory; mathematics is a deeply connected subject, make these connections explicit.
Inquiry – ask open-ended questions that set students off to answer them in their own way integrating prior knowledge or motivating the need for new knowledge or methods; also provide opportunities for students to formulate their own questions, possibly reformulating to make them answerable.
Pure and applied – mathematics is interesting in its own right but also as a tool for making sense of the world, raising awareness about issues in society, and supporting or challenging claims.
Experiential Learning:
Projects and presentations – rethink traditional assessment to allow for more meaningful, personally relevant activities to showcase learning and gain professional experiences.
Collaboration – facilitate more than just cooperation but group-worthy activity that builds on the collective effort, knowledge, and skills of its members.
Equity Oriented Pedagogy:
Don't try to fix the student, fix the teaching - if not all students are speaking up in class discussion, find alternative ways for them to contribute.
Community – build a classroom culture of openness to ask questions, share ideas, present rough drafts and revise; foster a sense of belonging in which all contributions and achievements are recognized and valued.
Growth mindset – replace “I’m not a math person” or “I’m bad at math” with “math is hard, but anyone can succeed through challenge and effort”.
Highlighted Courses
Undergraduate
Problem Solving and Mathematical Reasoning for Teachers II
Senior Seminar for Future Mathematics Educators
Introduction to Mathematics and Science Pedagogy
Preparation for Calculus A
Statistical Discovery for Everyone
Graduate
Probability and Statistics for Teachers
Teaching Practicum
Independent Study
Teaching Mathematics through Mathematical Modeling
Rough Draft Math
Grades 9-12
AP Calculus AB
Common Core Algebra