Final Reflection

  Reflecting on this course, I am struck by how profoundly it has shaped my perspectives as a learner and future educator. Initially, I viewed mathematics as a collection of formulas and procedures. This course opened my eyes to the rich historical narratives underpinning the discipline, fostering growth beyond content knowledge.

Exploring the cultural contexts of mathematical ideas, from Babylonian tablets to India’s Golden Age and Chinese ingenuity, broadened my appreciation of mathematics as a collaborative human endeavor. These stories inspired me to integrate historical perspectives into teaching, making mathematics more relatable for students.

Delving into ancient texts and mathematical artifacts challenged me to adopt new ways of thinking. Grappling with unfamiliar notations cultivated perseverance and adaptability while deepening my respect for past mathematicians’ ingenuity.

On a personal level, my confidence grew as I connected historical details to modern pedagogy. I now feel equipped to design lessons incorporating historical narratives, offering students a holistic understanding of mathematics.

This course reinforced the importance of lifelong learning. Mathematics’ history continues to evolve, and I am inspired to remain curious and open-minded as I advance in my journey as an educator and I am very grateful for this experience.

Assignment 3 Reflection

 Working on the project about Maria Gaetana Agnesi was a rewarding experience. Nanxi did an excellent job creating the collage, focusing on the Witch of Agnesi curve. It beautifully showcased the mathematical elegance of the curve and its connection to Maria’s work. Seeing her effort in visually representing such a significant concept added depth to our overall project.

For my part, I focused on preparing the PowerPoint presentation, which gave me the chance to explore Maria’s life and contributions more deeply. I highlighted her groundbreaking work on the Witch of Agnesi and her textbook, Instituzioni analitiche, as well as her role as one of the first women to gain widespread recognition in mathematics. It was fascinating to share how she broke barriers during a time when opportunities for women in STEM were rare.

One aspect that stood out to me was the origin of the curve’s name, which came from a mistranslation of the Italian word versiera. It’s a quirky detail, but it reminded me how even small historical quirks can shape how we remember important figures.

Overall, this project taught me a lot about Maria’s achievements and her legacy in both mathematics and education. Collaborating with my group, especially seeing the creativity in the collage and combining it with the presentation, made the experience even more meaningful. I hope our work helped bring her story to life for the class.

Assignment 3 - The Witch of Agnesi Curve

 Here is the link to our (my and Nanxi's) slides for the presentation 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XM-YV5SSq2B7yWA_Hjv1Rjf1e3dcNrYoBFZsCR8W1P4/edit?usp=sharing