STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Mississippi State’s math department develops formula for effective teaching

By Sarah Nicholas

Math + college students = frustration (for many)

Mississippi State’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics is known for consistently producing exceptional educators who work diligently to make math a positive experience for students. With four faculty members now recipients of the prestigious Grisham Master Teacher Award—Kim Walters, Robert Banik, Jacob Tschume and the newest inductee into the elite group, Amber Robinson—the department is changing the perception of math.

This success is the result of a studentcentered approach cultivated under the leadership of Mohsen Razzaghi, Giles

Distinguished Professor and department head. Razzaghi has found a winning formula in fostering talent from within the department itself.

“One of the reasons that I feel the department has so many award-winning instructors is that we strive to hire our own graduate students as instructors,” Razzaghi said. “We know their teaching abilities because they taught courses as graduate teaching assistants. That way, we can observe their teaching for two years. These four faculty members with Grisham awards once were my own students.”

Razzaghi believes the department’s commitment to hiring its own graduate students as instructors plays a significant role in the department’s success, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the close-knit nature of the department. This approach ensures a continuity of excellence because the department’s educators share the same academic background as many of their students, creating an environment of mutual understanding and support.

Kim Walters, a 2013 Grisham Master Teacher Award recipient, exemplifies the dedication that defines MSU’s math instructors. With nearly 30 years of service at MSU, Walters continues to refine her teaching methods, presenting at national conferences and continuously engaging with her students.

“She is always looking to work with her students so that they can succeed both in and out of the classroom,” Razzaghi said. One student aptly summed up her impact: “She was terrific. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had. I was excited to come to class. She encouraged class participation and did a great job ensuring our ducks were in a row.”

The department’s dedication to student engagement is a common thread among its award-winning educators.

Robert Banik, who received the Grisham Master Teacher Award in 2018, is known for going above and beyond for his students, Razzaghi said.

“Finding a crowd of students in his office is a familiar sight. Some are current students, but many former students come by to ask for help in other classes or talk,” Razzaghi said. “He tries to show his students enthusiasm not only for mathematics but also for life in general. He desires to educate students in mathematics and encourage them to pursue careers—maybe not as a mathematician, but as a person who is not afraid to think analytically.”

As one student said, “I was very nervous to take a college mathematics course. Mr. Tschume is by far the most approachable professor I have ever had. He is so dedicated to his students and their success.”

Amber Robinson, a 2024 Grisham Master Teacher Award recipient, has mastered the art of teaching a diverse range of students, from those learning basic algebra to those tackling advanced courses including Calculus II and Differential Equations. Her teaching philosophy focuses on creating a structured and supportive learning environment where students can thrive, Razzaghi said. “These students often differ significantly in these classes, yet Amber strives to make her students eager to learn,” Razzaghi said. “She aims to create a learning environment encouraging students to ask questions during class and stay engaged. She wants her students to know that she is available and wants each of them to succeed.”

And as one student shared, “He makes the class fun and creates a good atmosphere, which is generally hard for teachers because math is boring.”

Jacob Tschume, the department’s 2022 Grisham Master Teacher, is known for blending innovation with approachability. His use of technology in the classroom helps students stay engaged and provides clarity on complex topics.

“He has been utilizing technology long before it was the typical style,” Razzaghi said. “His students know that he is challenging but approachable. Students enjoy his teaching style so much that they strive to take him throughout the calculus sequence.”

“Mrs. Robinson presented math in a way that made sense, with a consistent format that I could always depend on to keep my focus on the subject at hand,” one student reflected.

Razzaghi said, “Each of these instructors does a fantastic job at teaching concepts and building relationships with their students. This is an incredible feat, especially when their class sizes can be 100-plus students. I anticipate that we will continue to have other instructors receive the Grisham Master Teacher Award, as we have many talented, committed and enthusiastic instructors.” u