Teaching Philosophy
Synopsis
The best learning comes from within; the best teachers are those who
inspire in their students a desire to learn more.
Technique
Not everyone learns in exactly the same fashion, and for this reason I
have collected as many methods as possible of explaining mathematical
(and scientific) principles and/or techniques. In trying to clarify a
difficult point for a student, I will usually offer three or four
different ways to look at a problem, telling them to pick one they are
comfortable with. I also encourage students to work together, as
teamwork is essential for their success in life.
As much as possible, I try to point out interesting consequences of
the principles I am teaching, or interesting {\em unsolved\/}
problems; I feel it is important for everyone to realize that no
branch of knowledge is complete.
Moreover, I try to emphasize that no branch of knowledge exists in
isolation; I often point out the links between the various branches of
knowledge, showing that they are all part of a great, interconnected
whole. For this, I draw upon my broad background in both the sciences
and the humanities.
Computers
The computerization of everyday life is a fact that educators,
particularly in mathematics, must deal with. I feel there are
"computer things", which computers do well (such as
determining averages and standard deviations), and "people
things", which people do well (such as determining whether or not
a particular mean is significant). It is my philosophy that while
people should know the principles behind ``computer things'', human
beings should not compete with a computer, but rather try to emphasize
those things that only a human mind can accomplish.
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