Learning & Teaching
I aim to teach broadly applicable skills, such as effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and independent learning, alongside content. To achieve this goal, I use a variety of student-centered (or even student-led) and active learning approaches, including
interactive lectures with substantial group work components
inquiry based learning (e.g., Intro to Proofs Number Theory)
"flipped" classes and activities (e.g., Linear Algebra, modules in Multivariable Calculus)
student-led courses focused on writing about math for the public and public speaking (e.g., 300-level Advanced Writing Seminar Explaining Mathematics -- see below).
assessment practices that allow for revision and take into account growth (e.g., standards-based grading).
Calderwood Seminar: Explaining Mathematics ╲╱
I often teach an advanced writing seminar Explaining Mathematics as part of the Calderwood Seminars in Public Writing program. Each week, half of the class writes a piece of public writing (e.g., a newspaper article or blog post) on a mathematical topic that they need to research themselves while the other half serves as editors. In class, we discuss the math they've already engaged with and workshop the students' drafts. workshopping session. After class, writers produce a final revision of their work.
Recently, former Calderwood Students Annette Belleman, Sarah Chang '22, Abby Ow '22, and Amy Tao '22 published an interview with Tai-Danae Bradley in Math Horizons, the MAA's undergraduate math magazine, that they wrote as part of the class. Their article was the front cover!
To read their article, click here.
Check out the full list of articles produced in connection with the seminar under the "Work with Students" heading on this page.
Building Math Community ╲╱
HHMI Student Advisors
With my colleague Ann Trenk, I've enjoyed partnering with HHMI Inclusive Excellence Math Department student advisors from Fall 2020-Fall 2022. Student Advisors (SAs) collaborate with faculty liaisons (and each other) to develop initiatives that enhance inclusion at the department level. In addition to being a sounding board for faculty, SAs developed and conducted a climate survey of students in introductory math/stat courses in 2020-2021, coordinated student feedback during the department's faculty hiring process in Fall 2022, and ran many events to build community and share knowledge about the department.
Recent Project: HHMI Student Advisor Selina Huynh '22 created a Math Major/Minor Map to make the department's requirements easier to understand!
Click here for a more detailed PDF of the Math Major/Minor Map
For information on letters of recommendation and other resources, click below: