Steve Benson
Professional Title: Associate Professor of Mathematics
Areas of Academic Focus and Expertise:
Algebraic Number Theory, Problem Solving, Content-based professional development for inservice and preservice teachers
Representative List of Recent Courses Taught:
Problem Solving
Topics in Geometry
Calculus I-III
Number Theory
Transition to Abstract Mathematics
Field Research in Mathematics
Mathematics in Context
Education: BS, University of Texas at Austin; MS, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Representative List of Recent Publications / Exhibitions:
Lenses on Learning Secondary: Leadership for Mathematics Education in Middle and High Schools, Grant, C. M. et al., Corwin Press, 2009.
“Problem Solving by Analogy/Problem Solving as Analogy,” The Mathematics Educator, Fall 2007, 17(2), 2-6.
Ways to Think About Mathematics: Activities and Investigations for Grade 6-12 Teachers, Benson, S. et.al., Corwin Press, 2004.
“A modified discovery approach to teaching and learning abstract algebra,” with Brad Findell, in Innovations in Teaching Abstract Algebra, MAA Notes #60, eds. Hibbard, A. & Maycock, E., Mathematical Association of America, 2002, pp. 11-17.
Fun Facts:
Plays alto, tenor, and bass trombone with Calliope, Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra, The Summer Street Brass, MIT Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and various local opera companies
Tell me and I will forget
Show me and I may not remember
Involve me and I will understand
(Native American Saying)
Mathematics is like a video game -
it can be fun, but it requires effort.
And if you just sit and watch,
you’re wasting your quarter (and semester).