1st year teaching

Over the past year, I've been teaching at CSUEB. The first quarter was amazingly rough on me. 3 grad courses and also teaching one course, needless to say, I wasn't sleeping much. I scraped by, day by day, saw little of anyone and I'm very grateful for their patience and support.

My roommate, Andrea, once asked if I ever slept because I'd still be up when she went to bed at 2 am and I'd be working again when she got up. :-) Aah, the good old days.

Teaching has been getting easier over the past 4 quarters. In fact, during this summer quarter, I taught Math 4012 - Geometry for Teachers for the university and Math 950 - Intermediate Algebra for EOP's Summer Bridge program.

Teaching the SB program was a wonderful experience. Nine students, all disadvantaged youth. Being a part of a system that will enable them to succeed in their future has been rewarding for me. Some of the students are even brave enough to sign up for the university Math 950 I'm teaching in the fall.

I've got one more year to go before getting my Master's degree. Wow...It's been an amazing journey. I want to thank two people, Seth and Valerie. Their support and encouragement when I was feeling overwhelmed helped me through the tough times.

Posted by Karen Looker on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:48
Permalink - Category math/ - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks

Phi

I'm currently reading a book on phi. I'm astounded by this number simply because it is a number that is irrational and is apparently found in all living things. It explains growth patterns in population and individual living organisms, but definitely was not used by the builders who built the Great Pyramids of Egypt or the Parthenon.

The fact that pi is studied and known more than phi doesn't surprise me. Pi is learned by most of us in Geometry and Trigonometry in high school.

Posted by Karen Looker on Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:40
Permalink - Category math/ - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks

For the Love of Math

Yesterday, I came across this t-shirt with "I SUCK AT MATH" written across the chest...and bought it.

Posted by Karen Looker on Sat, 9 Jul 2005 00:17
Permalink - Category math/ - 0 Comments - 0 Trackbacks