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So math is probably not your favorite subject. If you're like most of the students AIU Online mathematics professor Marjorie Thrall has taught over her more than 20-year career, you might even be downright afraid of it. But Professor Thrall doesn't mind.
"I've always had pretty high reserves of patience and understanding, but it wasn't until I started teaching math that I began to see how I could use them to help others. Since so many people have a math phobia, they need a patient and understanding teacher to help get them through. I'm happy to be that person. In fact, I wouldn't want to be anyone else. I consider myself fortunate to be in the profession I am. There hasn't been a day I regretted going into teaching."
Not that she doesn't feel the lure of the beautiful Florida beaches that are a mere 20 minutes from her home: "I do love being outside and try to get out every day for some biking, tennis or swimming, but students always come first," she replies.
Even when Professor Thrall is traveling, it is almost always for an educational or math conference of some sort. Recently, she has been to Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Albuquerque. She's still waiting for a conference in Europe though. "I need to see Europe before I die. It might have to be a vacation-vacation though; I don't know if a math conference conducted in German would do me any good."
A few weeks ago, Professor Thrall found herself doing a one-on-one chat session with a student who had lots of questions . at 11:00 at night. The chat lasted two hours. "Taking math classes online can be difficult. As a teacher, it takes extra time, emails, chats, office hours, you name it. But online students have seven days a week, perhaps 20 hours a day to use me. Traditional students only have two to three days a week." It's no wonder students often tell Professor Thrall she's "one of the most patient and caring teachers" they've ever had.
But the admiration goes both ways. "I really respect AIU Online students. They're here because they want to be here, not because Mom or Dad or some other family member wants them in school. AIU Online students are motivated, and I am in awe of the challenges they overcome to get their educations. Students like the ones at AIU Online are the reason I got into teaching-students who want to learn."
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Since so many people have a math phobia, they need a patient and understanding teacher to help get them through. I'm happy to be that person.
—Professor Marjorie Thrall |
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