Mathematics and Humor

Mathematics and Humor

Author: Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast March 13, 2025 Duration: 44:57

David Gaebler, associate professor of mathematics at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on how to use humor to help students understand mathematical concepts.

This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Mathematics” in October 2024. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.

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In each roughly twenty-minute episode of the Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast, host Scot Bertram guides a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful discussion among colleagues than a formal lecture. The dialogue brings together the college's own professors, practicing K-12 teachers from its affiliated schools, and other friends of Hillsdale to explore the enduring framework of classical learning. These guests don't just define the tradition in abstract terms; they delve into its practical application in modern classrooms and its profound relevance for students today. You'll hear specific examples of how classical methods shape lessons in literature, history, and civics, fostering a deeper love for truth and beauty beyond standardized testing. This podcast serves as an accessible entry point for parents and educators curious about an education model that prioritizes wisdom and virtue, examining what truly sets this time-honored approach apart. The concise format makes it easy to fit into a daily commute, offering substantive ideas that resonate long after the episode ends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Starting a Classical School In Alaska [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
Stephen Cox, a founding board member of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, Alaska, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his role in starting a classical school in Alaska, the decision to make Thomas More Classical…
Teaching Students the Elements of Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:42
Justin Jackson, English professor and Edrie Seward Kennedy Chair in English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss his upcoming co-authored book on teaching students the elements of analysis, the art of…
How to Teach a Short Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:46
Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss why short stories are worth studying, how to prepare your class to learn from a short story, and why reading short…
Writing Letters of Recommendation and Advising Resume Creation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:25
Jenny Pridgeon, director of field recruitment for the Admissions Office at Hillsdale College, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the art of writing a memorable letter of recommendation, how to stand out from other colleg…
On the Least Interesting Parts of Great Books: Melville and Homer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:22
Jason Lund, upper school humanities teacher and senior thesis coordinator at Treasure Valley Classical Academy in Fruitland, Idaho, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the least interesting parts of great books, how Homer…
Leading Idaho Novus Classical Academy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:59
Vincent Kane, head of school at Idaho Novus Classical Academy in Boise, Idaho, delivers a lecture on how classical education helps bolster Western Civilization. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher E…
OptimalWork Applications at the K-12 Level [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
Colin Mullaney, director of operations at Hillsdale College’s K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Dr. Kevin Majeres’ OptimalWork platform, how to apply OptimalWork in the classroom, and how to help…
Leading Cincinnati Classical Academy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:45
Michael Rose, headmaster and superintendent at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivers a lecture on the rewarding life of a classical school leader. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Te…