Friday, November 10, 2017

What I Learned


One of my favorite things to do when I visit Ryan is to attend the class that he's teaching. As a graduate student, one of his responsibilities is teaching. This semester it's MATH 255 - Calculus For Biological Scientists II. I used to know and use this stuff, but based on my previous visits to his classroom, I knew that all I could really hope for was some vague recognition of concepts. So, what did I learn?

Chain rules in multiple variables?


The proper definition of differentiability?


No, not really. I do listen intently and take notes, but it's going to take more than two classes for me to re-learn Calculus II. 



I did learn that Ryan is an excellent teacher, knows his subject, can convey it well to students, cares that they learn, wants them to make an effort, and knows what he is doing. I also learned a new appreciation for what he does on a daily basis. I don't often get the chance to see him thriving as an adult in his own life. Watching him teach gave me that, and I learned that that is a truly wonderful gift.  



10 comments:

  1. you must be so proud of him!! I think I'd be lost in that class. I admire how you discretely took the photos :)

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  2. You should be very proud of him! I would not have any idea of what was going on in that class!

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  3. I barely understand the title of the class ...

    But I'm glad he is such a good teacher, and that you got to see it all for yourself. :-)

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  4. WOW, what a wonderful view into the life of an adult child. I don't think many parents ever get this experience. I never had a good math teacher, and I needed one. Math is not easy for me, yet I am a science person, so go figure. He is following an undervalued and oh-so-necessary career path. You should be very proud.

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    1. Thank you; I am indeed very proud! Teaching is hard work, both in and out of the classroom, and I respect all the effort that Ryan puts into it. I'm not sure my parents ever saw me as an adult, but this helps me see Ryan as a bona fide grownup!

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  5. AND, Ryan seems to be very comfortable having you there, not self-conscious, a man comfortable with who he is and what he's doing.

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  6. You deserve to be so proud of Ryan! I would LOVE to see Zach teaching. Expanding minds...what a profession. IT should be much more appreciated in this country. :)

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    1. I am indeed very proud of Ryan, just as you deserve to be proud of Zach. I hope you do get to see him teaching someday. It's hard work!

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  7. Oh Bonny - how COOL!!! I am convinced that our good teachers - the ones who care, inspire and actually TEACH - are angels. You should be very proud to have one in the family! (did he introduce you to the class?)

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  8. That's so cool... it's so fun to observe our kids in the wild (especially when they know what they're doing and are thriving)! :)

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