Introduction, due on January 7

1. What is your year in school and major?
I am a junior double majoring in Math Education and Theatre Studies.

2. Which post-calculus math courses have you taken? (Use names or BYU course numbers.)
Math 313, Math 314, Math 334, Math 290, Math 341, and Math 300

3. Why are you taking this class? (Be specific.)
I am required to take this class for a Math Ed degree. I honestly do not know why this class is required for that degree. I do not know how Abstract Algebra can help me teach math (particularly to middle school students because that is the level I want to teach). However, I hope that clear connections will be made in this class to the fundamental math that I will be teaching in schools. But honestly, I would not be taking this class except that it is required, and I want to get a degree in Math Education.

4. Tell me about the math professor or teacher you have had who was the most and/or least effective. What did s/he do that worked so well/poorly?
My Math 290 professor was the least effective math teacher I have ever had. Firstly, I could not follow anything that he said. He was very unclear with what he was talking about and where his lectures were going, and he was very hard to understand. I like to have a clear layout of where a lecture is going and a clear layout of how what we are learning connects to prior mathematical knowledge. I also like to have a relationship with my professors, and I like to go to office hours. He always made me feel stupid and uncomfortable, and for me, that is something that really inhibits me as a learner. If a professor does that, I lose trust in him/her, and I lose confidence in myself, and then I do not learn as much or do as well. He basically made me feel like I could not do it, which led me to believe that I could not do it, and that just led it to become more true.

5. Write something interesting or unique about yourself.
I love theatre and, in particular, musicals. I could talk about musicals for hours. I also love to act, and I am acting in a mainstage BYU production this February.

6. If you are unable to come to my scheduled office hours, what times would work for you?
I am not able to come to your office hours. The following times would work: 1-2pm MWF, 3-4pm MWF, and 2-4pm TTH.