friday takeout

Renee Wright | Mathematics Instructor

Peosta Campus

What is something about you that would surprise others who never knew ?

I have an identical twin sister Connie who hates math, which is so ironic because I love math! Connie is musical, artistic and very creative. Growing up, I was the nerdy twin, and she was the fun twin. We used these differences to our advantage, though. For example, in the third grade, I helped Connie memorize her multiplication tables, and she helped me draw “a fist” for art class.

Share a truly “oops” moment.

It was the Monday after Daylight Savings weekend. I forgot to set my office wall clock back one hour. That day I remember being surprised at how much work I was getting done before class. (It was almost as if I had an extra hour!) When it was time for class, I went to the classroom and no one was there! A student left a note on the door that read, “We were here, but where were you?”

Do you believe that more technology in the classroom or in the world is helping students learn?

Yes, technology is helping students learn. Technology is a great supplemental tool in the classroom. Let’s consider the graphing calculator: it allows students to see multiple representations of a math problem. For example, you can input an algebraic equation into the y= function of the calculator. That representation is algebraic. You can press the graph function and see a graphical representation of the equation. This is a visual representation. You can set up tables of the equation using the tblset button. That is a tabular representation. You can create equations from data points using the linear regression function, etc. That is an algebraic representation of data that represents a unique relationship between the dependent and independent variable. The point is that all students learn differently, so it is important to have tools that resonate with all learning types.

Secondly, the students today are “NetGen-ers” – i.e., students that grew up with Nintendo, Playstations, computers and smart phones. They are used to learning things spontaneously and interactively. Attention spans are shorter, so technology helps bridge the gap. Gone are the days when students want to sit for an entire lesson and listen to the “sage on the stage.”

Third, math students have responded very well to adaptive learning software such as ALEKS for course placement and remedial learning. There are also online tools like Kahn Academy or YouTube videos to assist students with supplemental math help.

Why did you choose your current profession?

Teaching found me. My bachelor’s degree is in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa. I worked at John Deere for a long while. Then, I left Deere to raise my family. While I was off, I was approached about teaching an adjunct math class at Northeast Iowa Community College. I took the plunge and never looked back. Now I am teaching full-time, I truly love what I do and in many ways I am a nontraditional math instructor just like the nontraditional students that I teach!

What is something you love to do that doesn’t fit how others see you?

I really like photography. I have a nice camera that I use for special occasions. For more casual photos, I use my smart phone camera. I sometimes give my photographs to friends as gifts.