Educational Philosophy

Mathematics shows how to find common patterns in seemingly disconnected events. All my mathematical activities in general and my teaching in particular, are driven by this core realization. To me, mathematics is a whole. As I see it, mathematics is the unifying theme that underlies almost every human endeavor. When I teach mathematics, I am primarily motivated to help my students appreciate this role of mathematics as they learn. I teach that the most important part of mathematics consists of its concepts.

Mathematical education must leave students ready to solve problems and apply the concepts and skills they have learned. Almost always, I first encourage students to try to solve any problem or example that I will cover in class. Even if nobody has a solution, I ask them to think over it and try to guess at how it should be solved. I am a firm believer in the importance of constant interaction with my students, both in class and by email or by office hours. I actively encourage my students to ask me any questions they want about their work.