Teaching experience

Fall 2024

A review of algebraic functions, equations, and inequalities for students who satisfy the course prerequisites for 123 or 125 but whose placement test scores indicated additional preparation is necessary.

Catalog Description: A review of algebraic functions, equations, and inequalities for students who satisfy the course prerequisites for 123 or 125 but whose placement test scores indicated additional preparation is necessary.

Prereq: 2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry and either satisfactory placement test scores or Mathematics 100. This course should not be taken to remove an entrance requirement. Students who receive a grade of C or better in any course numbered 123 or higher (except for 201 or 202) may not subsequently receive credit for 119.

Value Proposition / Goals: Math 119 is specifically designed to address deficiencies in the algebra skills needed for Math 123 (Finite Math) and Math 125 (Basic Calculus) at the University of Tennessee. After successful completion of this course, students will have a better algebra tool kit, better math study skills, and more mathematical confidence, all of which should serve to bolster success in their next math course.

This course is not required for any mathematics degree and therefore does not support the degree-level learning objectives for the Mathematics Department.

Student Learning Outcome

Upon completion of Math 119, students should be able to

• Use correct mathematical language and notation as it relates to algebra.

• Rewrite mathematical expressions using the rules of algebra.

• Solve linear, quadratic, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic equations and linear inequalities.

• Analyze and create graphs of linear, quadratic, rational, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic
  functions.

Spring 2024

Course Description & Purpose: Math 125 is designed to introduce and explore the calculus of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The objective of the course is to familiarize the student with the basic concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus and their applications in problem-solving. An intuitive understanding of concepts is stressed over theory and rigorous proofs.

Learning Objectives: After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Evaluate limits.

• Apply derivative rules to algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

• Apply integration rules to algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions.

• Determine the appropriate calculus technique needed to solve real world problems.

• This course is not required for any mathematics degree and therefore does not support the degree-level learning objectives for the Mathematics Department.

Topics Include (but are not limited to):  Rates of change, derivatives and interpretations of the derivative, techniques of differentiation, marginal analysis, optimization, accumulated change and the definite integral, the definite integral as area, antiderivatives, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, applications of the integral, and techniques of integration (substitution).(Instructor)

Fall 2023

For students not planning to major in the physical sciences, engineering, mathematics or computer science.

Topics include systems of linear equations and matrices, matrix algebra and applications, linear programming and the mathematics of investments and loans.(Instructor)

All teaching assistants in University of Tennessee, Knoxville conduct their sections based on the active learning approach.

This is an instructional method that engages students in the learning process by encouraging them to participate in learning activities while collaborating with their classmates during the class.

In practice, the teaching assistant would divide the students into different groups and assign various tasks to them (usually in the form of a worksheet given by the instructor).

The students collaborate with each other within their group, while the teaching assistant frequently interacts with each group to provide appropriate guidance.

Active learning is often contrasted to the traditional lecture where students passively receive information from the instructor.

Merit-style teaching consists of using a highly trained teaching assistant to provide mini-lectures, challenging problem sets and other activities tailored to the students' needs that also stimulate student-to-student interactions.

In practice, the teaching assistant acts as an instructor for the merit section.

They first create a syllabus based on which they decide the students' final grades for the course.

Then they prepare different activities for each section, ranging from lectures to active learning group activities and worksheets that dynamically change throughout the semester to adjust to the students' needs and background.

Mock exams are also provided and held in realistic conditions outside of class-hours to effectively prepare everyone for the actual exams.

The students are also given frequent feedback individually and office hours are held by the teaching assistant to accommodate every student during the semester.

The Merit Program of University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a challenging program for a select group of undergraduates that targets students with high potential who are members of groups, such as ethnic minorities and women, who tend to be underrepresented in the areas of science, mathematics and engineering. More about this program here.