What am I all about?

As the Math Lab Coordinator, I would like our tutoring department to set the tone for excellence in mathematics at Santa Monica College.  Santa Monica College is the #1 junior college for transfers going into the UC's.  Therefore, transferring from the Mathematics Department should mimic the same thing (in theory).

There are many things I would like to see happen for SMC's Math Lab.  However, at this present time 100% of my time is being invested in getting to know SMC as a community.  I am fully aware of the great faculty and student body that SMC obtains.  Using the energy that flows around SMC will guarantee positive results for the Math Lab (Theorem 7.7). 

Truly, I have ideas I would like to implement for the Math Lab, however, my ultimate goal is to service the students the best way I know.  Getting the students to understand the type of discipline it takes to do well in math, I believe, is the greatest service I can offer (Hypothesis).  By getting, students to invest the time for adequate results in their math classes, students will go through the experience of being a great mathematician.

ASSUMPTION:

Every great mathematician learned from some one else -> As a student you have to learn from others also.

How the students accomplish this is to get tutored.  Seek the outside help!

Every great mathematician have explained or published their work so that everyone understands him/her. -> Students should have to explain their work.

Students can accomplish this by teaching to their fellow peers who do not understand or by working with their classmates. Another option is to take an advanced class where the student gets a chance to build on their knowledge by giving presentations on mathematical material.

Every great mathematician has made a mistake, but they learn from their mistakes -> Therefore, students should not be afraid to make mistakes, but should use their mistakes to build on their understanding of a particular subject.

ONE LINERS:

Mistakes are encouraged.
-- Paul Williams

Being afraid of mistakes, is being afraid to learn.
-- Paul Williams

To Learn, one must Teach.
-- Unknown

There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power.
-- Honore de Balzac (1799-1850), French novelist

Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.   -- Nicholas Murray Butler

We are each so much more than what some reduce to measuring
-- Karen Kaiser Clark

Habit is overcome by habit.
-- Thomas A Kempis

Imagination is more important than knowledge
-- Albert Einstein

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old;
seek what they sought
-- Matsuo Basho

Pain is inevitable.
Suffering is optional
-- Anonymous


 

 

Contact Info:

Office Location:  Math Complex 84 (MC-84)
Office Hours:  08:30am - 05:30pm
Telephone Number: 310-434-4735
Voicemail Number:  310-434-8586
Email: williams_paul@smc.edu

Math Lab: http://www.smc.edu/mathlab.htm

 

Last update:  09/03/08