Recently, the teaching activity “We Talk Mathematics Together” held by the Young Teachers Association of School of Mathematics was held at the administrative building of Peiyangyuan Campus of Tianjin University. Sun Xiaotao, Dean of the School of Mathematics and young teachers from the School of Mathematics attended. They exchange experience in teaching and scientific research.  

Young teachers are interested in the work environment described by Dean Sun in the last century, and they also talked about their pressure at the present work environment. As a middle-aged teacher, Sun Xiaotao hoped that the young teachers can seize the golden age of their career and work hard to surpass the predecessors in their youth. 

In terms of teaching, Professor Sun stressed that young teachers should pay attention to the basic knowledge. He believed that teaching and research are not separate, but can be transformed and promoted mutually, and he encouraged everyone to make teaching fun as well as hoped that each lesson would bring something new to the class. Young teachers attended all agree that although they have few experience of teaching, they will try their best to arouse the enthusiasm of the students, and to stimulate students’ interests for studying, at the same time, to improve their own teaching ability. 

In terms of student guidance, all teachers realize that the mood and quality of students have changed dramatically. There is a heated discussion on how to change the current situation of teaching, and there are many constructive ideas about how to motivate students by honors and other effective ways. 

In terms of scientific research, Professor Sun thinks that discussion class is a good way for teaching and learning. He suggested that young teachers with similar research directions should be able to organize some discussion classes spontaneously. On the one hand, teachers can share teaching experience and learn from each other to improve their teaching ability. On the other hand, absorbing some outstanding undergraduates and postgraduates to participate in teachers’ teaching talks is also an important way to cultivate students’ academic ability.  

At the end of the symposium, Professor Sun reiterated that honesty is the most important thing for those people who study mathematics. As a teacher, we should not only talk about honesty in scientific research, but also should pay attention to the honesty education for students. He also pointed out that the high requirements for students and caring for students are not contradictory. In addition, teachers should help and guide students in the right way that conforms to the rules and principles. 

The symposium ended in a light and happy atmosphere. The School of Mathematics will hold more teaching activities regularly in the future for teachers, so as to make more opportunities for young teachers to get more experience from their seniors.. 

By: School of Mathematics

Editor: Qin Mian