AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Mathematics

Paul M. Wright
Professor, FBG

Teaching Philosophy and Methods

Teaching Philosophy: I have been teaching mathematics for 30 years at the college/university level and my favorite part of teaching is learning (like right now I am learning to put this web site together and it is mostly fun and a little bit frustrating!). I enjoy learning from my students, usually by the questions they ask me and their visits to me during my office hours. One of my premiere goals in any course I teach is to help you the student succeed by presenting material in a clear and concise manner, by answering all of your questions (or if I do not know the answer, at least point you in the right direction to obtain it ), and by preparing you with the skills needed for subsequent courses. In addition, I feel that I am here to offer mathematical advise or counseling about other courses to take, how to cope with "math anxiety", test-taking tips, ways to ensure success in this course, study tips, learning strategies, and a myriad of other mathematics or education related topics. I will endeavor to focus on the "why" of mathematics, rather than simply the "how to".

Learning Strategy and Methods: I think probably the most important learning strategy is to ask "why" something is the way that it is, especially in a mathematics course. Do not accept answers such as "this is beyond the scope of our course" or "we will see how this is used in the next course" or "the development of the answer to your question would take a couple of days". These are just some of the excuses some instructors use to avoid spending the time to address your concerns. You must also practice mathematics on a daily basis if you want to be successful. One hour per day would be a minimum unless you have a natural mathematics ability, which most people do not have.

Teaching Strategy and Methods: I use a variety of methods and strategies in my classes. I would estimate that 60% of class time is presentation of new material. This can be done using traditional lecture, student presentations, or technology demonstrations followed by group activities, solving multi-layered applied problems using the group project concept, guest lecturers for specific applications or topics, and local field explorations to name a few. The remaining 40% of class time is usually spent equal parts answering general questions on material covered and answering or having students answer questions on exercises from the text.

Methods used in my Courses: I follow the Stanislavski Mathematics Method which states basically to be successful in a mathematics course you must experience it by reading, writing and speaking mathematics in addition to solving problems in mathematics. As an illustration, to prepare for his role as a Cuban barber in the film "Wrestling Earnest Hemmingway", the actor Robert Duvall actually moved to the Cuban section of Miami and "lived" the life of a Cuban exile by reading, writing, speaking (with a Cuban accent), and most importantly, interacting with the Cuban people he encountered (especially any barbers that he may have met). You may not want or care to be "nominated" for an "academy award" in mathematics, but I hope that you will "live" a little mathematics during the next 16 weeks. Perhaps then someone might believe that you know a little something about trigonometry, or calculus, or whatever!

Course Expectations: I expect us to cover all of the material as outlined in the syllabus.

Getting help from the Instructor: One of your most important allies for success in any course is the instructor. One of my goals as an instructor is to insure that you meet all of the goals that you have set for yourself for this course. Letting me know what those goals are is a very important first step in the process. I enjoy my office hours ( I am usually in my office well beyond the posted hours), because it is my chance to help you in a one-on-one or small group situation. If you cannot meet me at my posted office hours, see me before or after class and we can arrange a time to meet.

For free tutoring in most subjects check out the Learning Labs: They have some really great tutors.

Students are encouraged to identify one or two other people in the class as "study buddies". The instructor desires that each student have a number of options to get assistance when questions or problems arise. You can also compare class notes, homework exercises, and exam results. Having someone to contact is especially important should you have to miss class for any reason. Teaching is the best form of learning (for the teacher) and students teaching students enhances the learning of both people. Also students will learn in their own way and seeing how someone else does something will give the student a fresh insight into the course or program.

Organization and use of the Textbook: It is a good practice to be able to solve all of the odd numbered problems in all of the sections that we will cover. This, in addition to the required homework assignments and examples presented in class, should prepare you for all of the exams.