LaTeX it!

It’s the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic right now, and we have all been suddenly transitioned into online learning.  So this happens to be very timely, but actually learning LaTeX is something every undergraduate mathematics major should do early in their careers. LaTeX is a typesetting system for mathematics...

How to do your homework so you learn (and get good grades)

Homework problems are an excellent opportunity to learn mathematics.  Here’s how to get the most out of them so that you come out having learned, and also, with a good grade.  This necessarily takes more time, but it’s time in the bank that will support you later on your...

How to Study Remotely

At our university, as at many universities around the world, students are now very suddenly studying remotely, separated from others.  Studying remotely is a new challenge, but the habits you learn to overcome this challenge will be helpful in all your future courses, because it teaches independence and dedication....

Reading Actively: Part I

This is the first in a series of posts about reading actively. Learning to read your textbook actively is perhaps the single most important study habit for success in the mathematics major.  Recently, I spoke with a math major who had transferred from another major.  He read his math...

Math Anxiety

I have math anxiety.  So, perhaps, may you.  It is the flood of stress hormone in response to a mathematical challenge.  For me, it takes the form of fear of being wrong in front of my colleagues or students.  For you, it may make its appearance when you are...

Who is that professor at the board, and what does she want?

This spring I will be teaching MATH 2001:  Introduction to Discrete Mathematics.  This is our introduction to the major here at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and most students find it a wild ride after their experience in Calculus. What do I want out of this course?  I want...