An Afternoon With Prof. Pearsall (part1: it all started with long division?)

TL;DR

Math professor shares his passion for math, teaching, and his favorite topics to teach.

Transcript

I've not only been teaching math longer than you've been alive teaching would have been a much safer you can get an a math job now a teaching job nothing with math no numbers now what would you like to do oh boy one integral 100 times which one would you do boy what a hot started stuffy hmm you don't have to do anything big okay hello everybody tod... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🏫 The professor's passion for math developed at a young age and was fueled by teachers who inspired him.
• 🎓 He values the connection between math and physics, having pursued a physics minor during his education.
• 👨‍🏫 The variety and challenges of teaching calculus 2 make it the professor's favorite class to teach.
• 😃 The professor finds joy in solving difficult integrals and enjoys sharing that excitement with his students.
• 🤨 Students often underestimate the complexity of math and assume the answers will involve pi.
• 🥹 The fundamental theorem of calculus holds a special place for the professor, as it showcases the power of calculus.
• 🧑‍🎓 The professor encourages students to seek help when struggling and assures them of his dedication to their success.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the math professor choose teaching as a career?

The professor was inspired by his high school geometry teacher and enjoyed sharing knowledge with others.

Q: Did the professor consider any other careers before becoming a teacher?

At one point, he considered becoming an actuary, but ultimately decided that teaching was a better fit for him.

Q: What is the professor's favorite math topic or formula?

The professor finds the fundamental theorem of calculus to be beautiful and powerful, particularly when teaching calc 1.

Q: Does the professor think about math or teaching while driving?

Yes, the professor often reflects on teaching methods and thinks of new ways to present concepts while commuting.

Q: What is one thing the professor wants his students to know about him?

The professor wants his students to know that he cares about their success and is willing to help them during office hours.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The math professor has been teaching math for over 30 years, both in high school and college.

• He discovered his love for math at a young age and enjoyed solving long division problems.

• His favorite math topics to teach are calculus and differential equations.