MAHER MARZUQ, ph.d.

84 Raymond Road ~ Plymouth, Massachusetts02360

1-508-759-1191

My beliefs about teaching and learning at the university level

Students learn by doing

One of the most important objectives in my life is fostering a high-quality learning environment for university students. In my classroom I want my students to learn by doing and participating in a variety of hands on activities. My students are encouraged to explore different ways to solve mathematics problems; and for the more able student to perform new and more challenging problems. My role in this learning process is to provide guidance and support to students as they work through the steps necessary to solve each assigned problem. I do my best to maintain high standards of professionalism with my students and colleagues by being both a group leader and team member. It is important I observe each of my students as they work alone and in groups. In the end, I love teaching because I want to give my students the knowledge and the processes to solve challenging mathematical problems.

While I have had many experiences teaching mathematics from beginning algebra to upper level and graduate courses in mathematics, my teaching style does not change. I want to guide each and every student to do their best in solving problems in mathematics.

Student as Life long Learners of Mathematics

As a life-long learner my self, I know what students need because I personally have had great teachers during my life. These great teachers have influenced me in my own education; for them I have great gratitude. Observing learners is an essential part of the educational process where one focuses on each and every student. By being student centered, students soon become very comfortable with me; so we talk through their problems together; they the learner, and me the guide! As the guide I soon become aware of their learning problems. From this perspective I am better able to give them my attention in the best way possible. I know that all students will not be mathematical geniuses, but I don’t give up on these students. My goal is to help each one learn the ways of a mathematician. I’ll try to help them to the end by being with them as they struggle to solve the assigned activities. In my teaching, I try to work with students in different ways. For some, I have to work with them by giving them more problems, advising them about how to overcome their difficulties, turning their failures into small incremental successes, and helping them to feel more confident in themselves. I always tell them the story of Thomas Edison who claimed success is based 90% on hard work and 10% on natural intelligence.

Are my students learning mathematics?

I make myself available to students in and outside the classroom. Students come to me both individually and in small groups to seek my input and explanations about assigned problems. Ongoing evaluation of student performance allows me to determine how I pace students through a course syllabus. Students are encouraged to think sequentially and logically about many aspects of a problem. In these situations, students are given opportunities to ask questions about their assignments. Being available during office hours and outside of class hours allows the shy and reluctant student to work beside me as we solve a multitude of mathematical problems. For me, knowing the steps to solve a problem is more important than getting the correct answer.

My commitment to helping students learn

I go to class well prepared, follow the objectives of the lesson; I am well organized in my more formal presentations. Review of the main points of pervious lessons always helps students to get ready to move ahead. Spot quizzes and student questions help me to know the next step in new lesson material. Supplementary and enriched course materials always keep all students on the right track to learning.

Role Model for Being a Good Learner

To help student be prompt and to be on time it is important that I am always on time for my classes. I reward regular attendees and encourage others to follow suit. Having a good rapport with students is the key to help students to do the best they can be in mathematics.

Looking to the future in my chosen career

Besides teaching, I keep up with research so that I can write and share what learned. For example, I recently published a paper in Math Rep Toyama University Vol.28 (2005)1-9. This past year I participatedand presented at the American Mathematics Society Sectional Meeting Program (2009 Spring Southeastern Section Meeting) Meeting # (1048-32-08) North Carolina State University, Raleigh, April 4-5, 2009, also I presented another paper at the American Mathematics Society which was held at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee (October 15-16, 2005). This fall I look forward to reading another paper of mine being in a national publication; the title of this publication is “Interpolation sequences for the spaces”. These are just a few examples to illustrate that like my students, I am also a proud learnerof mathematics.

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