Dr. John Zweck is always refining the equation that improves outcomes for his students and keeps his courses engaging and enriching.
The University of Texas at Dallas professor of mathematical sciences routinely follows up with students and teaching assistants to fine-tune his teaching methods for conveying complex concepts.
Throughout his 30-year career, Zweck has tested new teaching methods, including small-group problem sessions, from the feedback he has received from students and teaching assistants. He also asks students to explain their math understanding to each other.
“If you can teach a problem to others and explain your process, then you really have a complete grasp of the concepts,” Zweck said.
Zweck joined the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 2012, and since then he has taught more than 3,000 students in mathematics courses, including calculus of several variables, partial differential equations and methods of applied mathematics. In 2022 he received the UT Dallas President’s Teaching Excellence Award in Undergraduate Instruction for tenure-system faculty.
Zweck has implemented other methods, including using a 3D printer to create saddle surfaces, hyperboloids and other shapes that may be difficult to conceptualize from an image on paper. The 3D models help students to develop visualization skills while solving problems.
“Teaching and learning are intertwined. I end each semester by thanking the students for all the new things they have taught me,” Zweck said. “My goals are to provide students with conceptual mathematical frameworks that will enable them to tackle future science and engineering problems and to grow their ability to actively learn math for themselves.”
But he never wants to assume one method, or one way of teaching, will be successful forever.
“Teaching and learning are intimately related, and students teach me enormous amounts about how to solve or approach a problem in a way that’s easier for them to get their head around,” Zweck said. “At UTD, we are blessed with a huge range of students, and they all have a lot to bring to the table. They completely change the way I think about teaching, and that’s what makes it so fun.”
Award recipients will be formally recognized by the UT System Board of Regents at its meeting on Nov. 16, and each will receive a medallion and $25,000.
“Dr. Zweck has improved the structure of his undergraduate courses, created opportunities for individualized guidance and feedback for students who otherwise may be left behind, and has developed supportive, lifelong mentoring relationships with graduate and undergraduate students through his teaching and research.” — UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson, the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership
“Visualization and mental rotation skills are a challenge for many novices, and Dr. Zweck’s work to provide instructional scaffolding in development of these skills and engagement of sensemaking in mathematics is evidence of his teaching excellence. Through publication of his instructions for the models online, he has undoubtedly contributed to improvement of multivarious calculus instruction at other institutions.” — Dr. Mary Urquhart, associate professor and head of the Department of Science/Mathematics Education at UT Dallas
“I strongly believe that his enthusiasm for mathematics makes him an engaging and motivating teacher. I have learned a lot from John as a mathematician and a teacher.” — Dr. Mieczyslaw K. Dabkowski, professor of mathematical sciences at UT Dallas and 2017 ROTA recipient