Assignment 1

• I am a senior at BYU and I am majoring in Math Education.
• I have taken Math 190 (proofs), Linear Algebra, and Theory of Analysis besides single and multi-variable calculus. I am currently enrolled in Ordinary Differential Equations as well.
• I am taking Abstract Algebra primarily because it is required for my major. However, I have been interested in this topic since I took Math 190 here at BYU. I absolutely loved that class. Although it requires a lot of work, I like proving mathematical theorems--it is fascinating to me. I like it so much because I love to really understand math--not just "do" math. Proving and understanding how the different number systems and algebraic structures work is exciting to me. I seek for real, personal understanding. I am excited to learn and stretch myself in this class. I want to be able to fully understand mathematics so I can effectively teach it to my students in the future.
• I had an extremely effective calculus teacher at the very end of high school. He was effective because he started every class period with something that his students already knew and were familiar with. After solidifying the principle, he moved on to prove new concepts, and by the end of class, I knew all of the new proofs and concepts. I not only knew what the concepts/formulas/proofs were, but also where they came from. It was exhilarating to me because I could "see" the mathematics and it wasn't just fed to me to memorize. I love teachers that help me to understand where the math comes from. I have also had very poor math teachers. The biggest factor that makes all the difference is the teacher's ability to walk the students through so that they come to understanding--maybe not perfect understanding, but at least some understanding that can take root. I do not like the math teachers that simply write formulas, definitions, and new ideas/concepts on the board but don't take the time to lead the students from their former knowledge to a broadened understanding.
• A unique fact about myself is that I served a mission in Uruguay, and my family lives in Peru. South America is very close to my heart. I also love to dance. Teaching has been my passion ever since I can remember.
  
• I can come to office hours possibly on T/Th/F from 1-2, but other times that would also work well would be M/W from 11-1