Video: Dr. Jim Sandefur
Watch a video in which Dr. Jim Sandefur explains his mathematics education project. (Video: Todd Chappell)
Feature Story
Dr. Jim Sandefur Improves Mathematics Pedagogy
Problem solving is a recurring theme in all of Dr. Jim Sandefur's classes. Dr. Sandefur, a professor in Georgetown's Department of Mathematics, researches in the growing field of mathematics education, or scholarly teaching—a field that directly impacts the pedagogy in his courses.
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Student Profile: Liz Rapp
"Dr. Sandefur's classes contain a lot of student participation and interaction—from classmates teaching chapters in the text to online discussion boards to group projects. This type of learning is unusual in a math class and makes a stereotypically boring subject much more stimulating."
Student Profile: Douglas Finley
"The good thing about the research is that the videos are used for future math students. It lets them know different strategies in solving the proofs. They get to watch somebody struggle through the problems with various approaches, then eventually answer it."
Insight: Dr. Jim Sandefur
Who or what was the greatest influence in your life that led to your career?
My high school math teacher who I had for five years—eighth grade and all four years of high school—had the greatest influence on my career. She taught me how to enjoy mathematics and learn it on my own. I would never have gone on in mathematics without her guidance.