Brett Luster
Daily Egyptian
Students who hate math are learning to like it this summer.
The class, Math 113, is part of the core curriculum requirement and nauseates some students who are forced to pass it to get their degree. However, students have been impressed by the teaching of Gregory Budzban, associate professor in mathematics and SIU teacher since 1991. Many say they have been impacted by his love for the subject.
"He takes out time when you get to the class session to go over the homework where the other teachers don't go over the homework," said Monique Walker, majoring in health care management.
Budzban's students say they are less likely to get frustrated and find the class hard.
"I really suck at math and after two math classes, I feel like he's the best," said Tonya DeRosa, a junior majoring in English.
The extra effort and vigor Budzban brings to the classroom takes his students closer to the subject many of them didn't particularly care for, he said.
"Instead of just looking to get his paycheck, he wants to teach us," said Madonna Spann, a West Frankfort native majoring in social work.
Budzban is careful, explaining to his students the problems so they are clear before moving on to another formula or approach.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, he looks forward to being there for students, making himself available outside of class.
"He makes himself pretty accessible," said English major Jill Taylor. "No questions are stupid in his class."
It's not a free ride, though. For everything students want to learn, they have to pay for it in time if they want to succeed.
"There's no panacea; there's no magic wand for knowledge," Budzban said.
Budzban puts in little sayings and anecdotes to make life a little easier in a subject that is difficult for many students.
"Confusion isn't always a bad thing," he said. "Confusion is the beginning of wisdom if you are willing to work through it."
While Budzban may make math more enjoyable, he also has a no-nonsense policy in his class when it comes to effort.
"I have zero sympathy for a student if he doesn't do his homework, doesn't come to class and then doesn't do well," Budzban said, "and if a student doesn't do his homework and comes to class, I have about 15 percent sympathy."
Most students in his summer math class said they have not been so good at math in the past. Fixing the problem is not as complex as many students fear, though.
"Where's the source of the problem and we can cure it," Budzban said. "You just got people who have phobias, and if you can just get them less anxious."
While growing up in Tampa, Fla., Budzban was part of his high school drama club. The 1975 Jesuit High School class comedian brings humor to his classes as he informs.
"There's a bit of entertaining that goes on in teaching. You've got to be able to project the information," he said. "Being onstage as an actor, you've got to project your voice."
To gain the attention of students in a recent class session, Budzban said to his class, "I'm getting that old math teacher look."
Budzban earned his master's degree in theoretical computer science and his doctorate in probability at the University of South Florida.
Budzban equips his students by using experience he has gained. While Budzban was in school, he worked for Marietta, now the Lockheed Martin Corporation. He directed research that developed smart weapons for the Department of Defense.
He says his job here offers benefits that are worth the effort.
"When you're in a career where I think about relating problems and just helping students experience some of the beauty of mathematics, what can I say? Why would you want to stop doing that?"
The extra time he spends preparing to teach the subject he loves pays off when he gets to the classroom.
"It's gratifying, the moment you can literally see that moment of insight when actual information is transferred into the student," Budzban said.
Math 113 will continue to use formulas and help students understand the basics of probability. With Budzban in charge this summer, a successful outcome is likely.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
