Hi. I'm Andrew. I ask questions.
I do Math↴. I Teach↴↴. I am Deeply Curious↴↴↴.
My ambition is to learn enough about everything to be able to hold a conversation with anyone on anything.
Mathematics provides a melody upon which the poetic harmonizes. Ambiguity pulls interpretation inexorably from deep within, rising parallel to purpose exposed through precision. The poetic births Truth without words; the mathematical, words without Truth.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
2009–2013
University of California, Irvine
Focused on mathematical logic and math education.
Howard Tucker Award, Phi Beta Kappa
I entered UCI with a plan to double-major in Math and Computer Science. Instead, I picked up a teaching credential in mathematics and minors in Computer Science and Linguistics.
I became fascinated with the inner workings of cognition, especially as it relates to developing mathematical understanding. I quickly latched on to the potential for computer systems to aid in the development of runnable mental models, informed by my own middle-school experiences with The Geometer's Sketchpad.
I began applying my understanding of Java and web design to build what I termed "Visual Mathematics". Today, I see those projects as early attempts at Explorable Explanations, and remain interested in investigating the educational affordances offered by technology.
To quickly iterate on ideas, I turn to GeoGebra or Desmos. I also have a wonderful quad-ruled moleskin that I keep within reach at all times.
Man, teaching from without, does not infuse the intelligible light, but he is in a certain sense a cause of the intelligible species, in so far as he offers us certain signs of intelligible likenesses, which our understanding receives from those signs and keeps within itself.
Aquinas, Truth, 11.1.14
B.S. in Mathematics w/ Teaching Credential
2009–2013 University of California, Irvine
High School Math Teacher
2013–2016
Livermore Valley Charter Preparatory High School
Algebra 1, Statistics (reg/AP), Calculus (AP, AB/BC), Mathletes
College (UTeach) Instructor
Spring 2012
UC Irvine
Visual-Spatial Ability
I tell my students that there are no rules in math, save one: Don't Lie.
I watch for lies in my students mathematical communication, training them to identify mistakes and assumptions in both their classmates' arguments and their own.
I believe questions are as valuable as answers; I aim to design lessons which allow students to craft intelligent inquiries as often as they uncover information.
I teach with an inquiry-driven approach, incorporating technology as a daily experience to develop and support conceptual understanding.
I have facilitated professional development sessions for my coworkers and members of my alumni network. My session design is similar to my lesson design: differentiated to meet attendees where they are, and driven by audience participation.
I believe in freely sharing lesson materials. I hope to eventually link to full lessons and curriculum guides, but for now my virtual filing cabinet mostly holds Desmos and GeoGebra activities. You can find more of my thoughts on teaching at my blog: LimSoup.
Fir'd at first Sight with what the Muse imparts,
In fearless Youth we tempt the Heights of Arts,
While from the bounded Level of our Mind,
Short Views we take, nor see the lengths behind,
But more advanc'd, behold with strange Surprize
New, distant Scenes of endless Science rise!
Pope, on Criticism
B.S. in Mathematics w/ Concentration in Education
2009–2013
University of California, Irvine
Minors in Linguistics, Information and Computer Science.