In pre-calculus we construct a linear model dealing with the life expectancy of women and always use Dolly’s year of birth to predict how long she will live! In addition to Dolly, I have students create a database of songs from their iPods and do various projects using the data – such as finding the mean length of their songs, a Pareto chart by genre, or a pie chart by decade.
#Webassign student quickstart pdf series
In statistics and quantitative literacy, we make a time series graph that shows her number of hit songs through the 1970’s and 1980’s. My students quickly learn this and I often use “Dolly data” or facts about her in my classes. You will laugh, but I am a big Dolly Parton fan and collector of her memorabilia. If they can see where something is used in the real world then they seem to understand and appreciate it better. I try to find and use real world examples as much as I can to help make math “real” for students. What teaching practices do you employ to get your students engaged in learning? Today’s society also has many adult learners going back to school, and teachers also need to accommodate their needs and different learning styles. Education is important for young people in order for them to become meaningful citizens in today’s competitive world. I believe that all students should have the opportunity to experience the usefulness of graphing calculators. Technology is also a key role in teaching and learning mathematics. Because each student learns individually, teachers should use various teaching strategies and do as much as possible to make learning interesting. Teachers should realize that each person learns in his or her own unique way and they should try to cater to each student’s individual needs and learning style. My belief is that every individual can learn and can obtain an education. I have taught at the college level, everything from developmental math up through calculus II and statistics. I am currently the Department Chair of Mathematics, Health, and Physical Education.
#Webassign student quickstart pdf full
My teaching experience includes six years at Gaston Day School in Gastonia, NC, where I taught all levels of middle school and high school mathematics. I was hired full time at Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC, in August, 2006, and have been there ever since.
I started teaching right after graduating, and later earned my Master of Arts degree in Mathematics Education. My major was mathematics and I earned a double-minor in education and computer science. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Gardner-Webb University in 1999. What is your educational background and teaching history? We love our innovative faculty users! This week we are spotlighting Solomon Willis, mathematics instructor and Mathematics, Health, and Physical Education Department Chair at Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC.