Differential Equations 101

Hi,

Wow, talk about a time warp! Seriously, where did the first week of the new semester go? It feels like I blinked and missed it, but hey, the good news is all those deadline-hungry tasks are finally done. Phew! That's the sound of stress leaving the building! 🎉

My first three hours of MAT223 - Differential Equations 1 lecture are officially in the books, and let me tell you, this class is a beast! I'm talking a record-breaking 267 students. I think I need a megaphone just to say 'Good morning!'😅

The distribution of my students. My personal mission? To make the non-math students love my class so much, they secretly wish I taught all their subjects! (Sorry, home school lecturer!😉)

Every semester, my number one mission is to become the students' favourite math cheerleader. Why? Because I'm convinced that if they love the lecturer, they're far more likely to love the course. I don't want them to look at Differential Equations like it's a villain in a movie, just because they didn't like my opening act.

The subject itself? Sure, it can be a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. But if they're willing to dive in, passing the course is totally achievable, and acing it is even easier! My main goal is to be a part of the solution, not the problem, especially since math anxiety seems to be hitting new highs these days.

Their initial impressions were a little... worrying. Looks like I have some serious work to do!

My plan for that first lecture was simple, make them love me, then make them love the subject. My perfectly-prepared lecture notes? I waved goodbye to them! Instead, I decided to lean into what this generation does best, their phones!📱

So, we launched the DE Wefie Challenge! I figured, if they're going to have their devices out anyway, we might as well make it a math party. 🎉

And seriously, they crushed it! Within just a few hours, our shared sheet started filling up with hilarious and creative submissions. I was so impressed by their effort that I had to reward them! I promised them some sweet, sweet extra percentage points for their Coursework mark later, and they went absolutely bananas (in a good way, of course!).

Check out some of the early submissions! Seriously, they've already won my heart (and maybe some extra points)!💖

Mission accomplished! My main objective for the first lecture, to get them excited and comfortable is A-C-H-I-E-V-E-D!

Now that the fun foundation is set, I'm genuinely pumped for the rest of the semester. What crazy, fun ideas should I try next to keep the energy up? 🤔