An Interview with Gilbert Strang on Teaching Linear Algebra

TL;DR

Gilbert Strang discusses his teaching philosophy and strategies for engaging students in learning linear algebra.

Transcript

SARAH HANSEN: Well, you have a lot of followers of your 18.06 videos. GILBERT STRANG: That's wonderful. SARAH HANSEN: And I'll read this quote to you. "A commenter even noted that this is not lecture, this is art." GILBERT STRANG: Gosh. OK. Well, if you're going to ask what's my system, I have none. I guess-- well, first I like students. And I want... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 Gilbert Strang's teaching philosophy involves actively engaging students and thinking through questions together.
• 😍 He emphasizes the importance of not rushing through proofs and allowing students to think and understand the material multiple times.
• 😒 Strang uses humor to create a more relatable and enjoyable learning environment.
• 🤔 Demonstrating problem-solving and sharing his own thinking helps students navigate challenging topics in real-time.
• 👻 Strang believes that teaching is about connecting with students and being conscious of their understanding in a large lecture hall setting.
• 👻 Open CourseWare has allowed Strang to reach millions of viewers worldwide, and he appreciates the opportunity to make education accessible to everyone.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Gilbert Strang approach teaching linear algebra differently from traditional lectures?

Strang believes in actively involving students in the learning process by encouraging them to think through questions and concepts together. He doesn't rush through proofs or immediately provide answers but instead takes the time to make students truly understand the ideas.

Q: What is the role of humor in Strang's teaching?

Humor plays a role in making the teaching experience more human and relatable. Using funny phrases and remarks, Strang aims to create a comfortable and enjoyable learning atmosphere for students.

Q: How does Strang know when to go into detail and when not to?

Strang thinks through the material again and connects with the thinking of the class. He recognizes the words and steps necessary to convey the complex material effectively. If he is not thinking it through himself, he may be going too fast and losing connection with the students' understanding.

Q: How does Strang handle teaching a large lecture hall with students at different levels of understanding?

Strang acknowledges that it's challenging to know exactly what each student is thinking in a large class. However, he tries to stay conscious of the class as a whole and their understanding, ensuring he is aware of where they are in their learning journey.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gilbert Strang emphasizes the importance of thinking through questions and concepts together with students, rather than simply delivering information.

• He takes the time to pause, ask rhetorical questions, and feign confusion to allow students to think and understand the subject matter.

• Strang shares his own thinking and demonstrates problem-solving in real-time, helping students navigate through challenging topics.