President's Report Masthead
December 31, 2014
A new equation for calculus class

Jonathan Cohen
William Kazmierczak, director of calculus, teaches a class in Whitney Hall. Kazmierczak is using the "flipped" classroom model in Calculus 1 classes.

A new equation for calculus class

William Kazmierczak saw the advantages of interactive learning early in his teaching career.

“When I was a young lecturer, I realized that students weren’t always giving me the feedback I needed,” he said. “Sometimes, it was a one-way conversation. I was a good lecturer, but the courses were better when the students gave me feedback. It felt like a discussion. Even in mathematics, it’s possible.”

As Binghamton University’s new director of calculus, Kazmierczak has brought the “flipped” classroom model to the Department of Mathematical Sciences. It is just one example of the University’s effort to build a top-level calculus program that focuses on outstanding pedagogy and student-centered learning.

“Calculus is the key to success for students in so many majors, yet all universities face challenges in helping students master this demanding subject,” Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald Nieman said. “Dr. Kazmierczak is dedicated to student success and brings to Binghamton enthusiasm, innovative ideas and a real commitment to engaged teaching and learning. I am confident that, working with his outstanding colleagues in the Math Department, he will help us create a premier calculus program.”

Calculus courses are required for science and math majors in Harpur College, engineering and computer science majors in the Watson School and some of the majors in the School of Management. Enrollment in the basic calculus courses (MATH 220, MATH 221 and MATH 222), together with a calculus prep course (MATH 108), has increased over the years and is now at 1,700 students in the fall and 1,000 students in the spring, said Anton Schick, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, which is now located in Whitney Hall. The courses, mainly taught by graduate students, are scheduled in small sections with about 32 students in each class.

Kazmierczak, who taught at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., from 2000-2013, joined the faculty in the summer of 2014 and took over the day-to-day calculus operations. He oversees the courses, teaching assistants and calculus testing center, and implements best-teaching practices.

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