myMA
The End of the Line in Linear Algebra
Three entries from the instructor about the Linear Algebra course tells an incomplete story without perspective from those in the trenches daily.
The final chapter in this tale is fittingly told from the viewpoint of some of the most curious and persevering students in the class.
Favor Ufondu '22 wrote,
Linear Algebra was my first introduction to the more abstract corners of mathematics. Engaging with the collaborative spirit of the class, we often spent periods discussing the inner workings of just one or two problems, locking ourselves in place and our eyes on the board. I am especially grateful to have learned alongside peers who invited every challenge and a teacher who indulged us at every request.
Favor herself asked probing questions throughout the year that not only made her peers stop and think, but her teacher as well (thank you, Favor)!
Anna Mayer '22 offered these thoughts:
As someone who is historically threatened by scary math symbols and problems that take up entire pages, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that Lin Alg had become my favorite first semester class. It’s truly fascinating to observe the unique language that a culmination of various forms of abstract math can create. This course taught me to think outside of the typical parameters (pun intended) of math, and begin conceptualizing some of the subject’s most creative ideas and theories.
Anna, I'm glad I never scared you! Anna possessed plenty of skills to attempt new avenues to a solution when one closed, and embodied the spirit of experimenting without the fear of possibly coming up short the first time.
Divik Verma '22 admitted having "...a fantastic semester." He says:
It really was an interesting introduction to more abstract concepts like vector spaces and inner product spaces. Even though I still may struggle with induction proofs, I really enjoyed the fact that all of our assessments required us to try and prove a theorem or concept that we’d use on the test. That, coupled with the way we’d go off on fun tangents and digressions in class, all made it a semester to remember.
With Divik, "struggle" is relative, of course, and his appreciation of the beauty of proofs was a bonus treat for this mathematician (thank you, Divik).
This was an exceptional year. We covered more additional topics than any other Linear Algebra class, all because the students, highlighted by those quoted, were willing to embrace the challenge, style, spirit, and dare I say, fun, of the course.
Read the other stories in this four-part series:
