Teaching Statement
Undergrad Algorithms
Grad Algorithms
Grad Students
Undergrad Algorithms
I do love teaching. When I started, I was very bad at it. Finding the
material easy myself, I could not grasp just how hard they find it. I
have worked very hard at figuring out what it is they are missing and
how I can reach them. Towards this goal, I produced a text book and
2382 dynamic power point slides for 3101. I am not sure anyone else
will want to use them, but having started as a poor teacher and a poor
writer, these projects have made me much better at each. My style is
an attempt to capture the big picture magic while sliding over the
details. Instead of focusing on the differences between the
algorithms, I try to reveal how most are fundamentally the same. For
years, along with the students who really loved this style, there were
plenty who hated it with equal passion. Luckily, I was co-teaching
with Andy during these days so that the students could get the
detailed code and proofs as well. However, I am very proud that every
year my teaching evaluations get better. I think I am finally able to
tell my stories about Fairy Godmothers and Friends in a way that that
actually reaches many of them. My fantasy is that long after the
details have faded from their minds, some of this big picture magic
will remain. One thing that continued to depress me was that about one
third have never gotten it and I pass them anyway. I have new hope now
however. The last time I taught it, I told them that I would do what
ever I could to help fight with them so that they learn it, but that
if they did not get it I would fail every one of that third. To all of
their delight they did quite well and I failed fewer than before. I am
excited about pushing this further next year by having lots of little
tests instead of one midterm. Some question why I keep wanting to
teach the same course every year. I keep pouring lots of work into it
to get it better. My idea is to keep doing this until I get it
perfect.
Grad Algorithms
Most all of our grad students are not interested in theoretical
computer science, but they each must take a course in it. I put
together the course that caters to them. Every two weeks we cover a
new topic in theoretical computer science. It would be an
embarrassment to graduate a student if he did not know the foundations
of these topics. Despite how much they struggle with it, they seem to
enjoy it and think that it is useful. I am embarrassed at times,
however, how similar it is to 3101.
Grad Students
I have very much enjoyed the grad students I have had and am looking
for more. Theoretical computer science, however, is hard and it is hard
getting good students who want to do it. I am also interested in
co-supervising or helping out students who want a little help with the
theoretical side of their work.
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