Philosophy of Mathematics Instruction

Respectful Use of Student Effort

We believe that instruction should transmit a belief in the value of the student effort. This is achieved by proper preparation of instruction. This includes efficient use of knowledge of the learner relative to the content

Focus on Conceptual Understanding

Unfortunately, many math students have experienced an emphasis on procedural knowledge that lacks a sound conceptual basis. The result is that students do not process the ideas in such a way that allows them to apply these procedures in subsequent courses. They then realize a deficiency in their understanding despite passing prerequisite courses. For this reason we try to emphasize the source and rational for procedures, and in fact consider the procedures secondary to the conceptual understandinding.