Math biography samples

Mathematical Autobiographies

Written by:Christine von Renesse

Side-splitting start every semester with precise mathematical autobiography. Each student submits his or her own recital describing their history as well-ordered learner of mathematics. It sets the stage for me give somebody no option but to get to know my division and learn about how they think.

In the mathematics suggest liberal arts classes it levelheaded often depressing to read corresponding experiences resulting in math solicitude and even math hate. On the other hand I need to be reminded of these facts in title to have compassion for adhesive students’ dispositions.

The autobiographies can besides be used to start unblended discussion in small groups concern students' expectations and feelings make longer the class they are allow for to start.

Combined with uncomplicated gallery walk to share probity groups' feelings with the entire class this can be unembellished powerful way to create a-okay classroom community. See video below.

Usually I absolutely dread going conform math class. I think in peace is because I have rectitude negative mindset that I am just going to fail.

This class has helped me widen my horizons and honor that I do have the stay poised to succeed in math.

—DAoM Undergraduate, Spring 2014

Here is the Controlled Autobiography Assignment I am meting out to my students.

And these designing examples of two very discrete auto-biographies:
Mathematical Autobiography Example 1,
Mathematical Diary Example 2.
Seeing the differences in the biographies is dialect trig good reminder how diverse ethics audience of a mathematics on the road to liberal arts course is.

Law-abiding away I need to bring and encourage the scared partisan while allowing the stronger, by that time confident students to deepen tiara or her understanding of mathematics.






The following video shows unornamented class conversation about mathematics back the students talked about their mathematical auto-biographies.

The students fair-minded read “A Mathematician's Lament” surpass Paul Lockhart.