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Calculus I—Day 4
Thanks to a Thursday holiday, we finished our first week of calculus after four lectures. I’m not sure that I would want it any other way—we had time to ease into the material, work out technical kinks with the software, … Continue reading
Calculus I—Day 3
An evening class just before a day off, and I had almost full attendance. We had our first quiz, which went off without too much grumbling, and I managed to present a couple of easy proofs. Aside from running out … Continue reading
Calculus I—Day 2
The course started yesterday with one very concrete example, followed by loads of abstractions. Last night’s lecture began the trip back into things that are a little bit more concrete.
Calculus I—Day 1
I am teaching Calculus I this summer, starting yesterday. In the interest of improving my own performance as an instructor, I thought that I might try a little exercise as the course progresses. My intention is to spend a little … Continue reading
Don’t Get Caught
Sometimes, teaching can be very frustrating. Earlier this semester, I gave an exam. Of the forty or so students who are currently enrolled in the class, barely half managed a passing score (a middling C for those that are interested). … Continue reading
Keep It Simple, Stupid
I have a much younger sister who is currently taking calculus as a high school junior. Given that I have a little more mathematical training than anyone else in my family, she sometimes asks me for help with her homework. … Continue reading
Scandal in Atlanta!
Early last month, NPR reported that 178 teachers and principals in the Atlanta school system fudged student test results. That is, they cheated. I’ve been meaning to comment on this for a while, but have been busy with classes, and … Continue reading
Division by Zero?
I am currently teaching a summer term algebra class. Over the course of five weeks, we manage to get through an entire semester’s worth of material. The pace is pretty grueling, and I wonder at my students’ capacity to keep … Continue reading
Struggling with Hard Problems
Yesterday, I came across an interesting post by Allison at Infinigons. She reminds us that we must remain fearless in the face of difficult problems, and attempt to do something, rather than give problems a cursory once-over, then run to … Continue reading
Posted in Education
Tagged education, games, problem solving
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The Budget
The state of Nevada is, like most of the nation, currently undergoing a budget crisis. Our newly elected leadership is planning on keeping the state in the black by cutting programs only—the new governor has vowed not to increase revenues … Continue reading