June 20, 2010
It all adds up
Mathematics Professor Rick Smith gives extra effort to help students improve their performance.
Mathematics Professor Rick Smith understands that math is not everyone’s favorite subject – a fact he learned early in his career.
On the first day of a class many years ago, he noticed a student who had been in one of his courses during the previous semester. He recalled how pained and unhappy she seemed throughout the class, so he approached her and suggested she might be happier if she chose another professor.
Smith still remembers her response. “Yes, I hate math,” she said. “But I’d rather hate it with you.”
“I especially enjoy helping students overcome negative past experiences in math courses improve by using more effective study techniques,” explains Smith, who was recently recognized by Bryant’s Faculty Federation with the Faculty Member of the Year Award in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Always students to help
Smith has dedicated his teaching career to helping students improve their math performance. His book, Mastering Mathematics – How to Be a Great Math Student, was published in 1991 and is now in its third edition. It details the study strategies and secrets to success that he has taught to students throughout his career.
“Math performance is not all about natural ability,” he says. “It’s about study habits and effective learning strategies.”
The most important tip he imparts to students is that they should aim for a perfect 100 on every test. “Students need to study with the goal of walking into a test room honestly believing they will get close to 100 percent,” he says. “This is the best way to eliminate mental blocks.”
After 35 years at Bryant, his passion for teaching is as strong as ever. “Talking about mathematics will always be interesting to me,” he says. “There are always new student to meet, to relate to, and to help.”
Read about last year's Faculty Award winners.
