“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding,” said mathematician William Paul Thurston — and this perfectly describes my teaching philosophy. While memorization without full understanding is sometimes necessary to progress in our mathematical development, it should not be the end goal. For example, before we can efficiently study analysis, we must first master calculus — where we often accept the rules of differentiation and integration...
“Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations, or algorithms: it is about understanding,” said mathematician William Paul Thurston — and this perfectly describes my teaching philosophy. While memorization without full understanding is sometimes necessary to progress in our mathematical development, it should not be the end goal. For example, before we can efficiently study analysis, we must first master calculus — where we often accept the rules of differentiation and integration without fully understanding why they hold. However, true success in and appreciation for mathematics comes from prioritizing understanding. Without it, mathematics can seem dull or, in the worst cases, even torturous.
I believe that with my background — a B.S. in Mathematics with honors from the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State — combined with my teaching skills and philosophy, I can make a positive impact on your relationship with mathematics.
