Chen Yimao, a lecturer of the Department of Mathematics, won the Grand Prize of Teaching Competition of Young Teachers of SUSTech. Graduated from The City University of New York, he has been teaching for almost ten years. Students are impressed by his interesting teaching style and enthusiasm. Asked why he always wears a smile, he said that he would like to light up the classroom with his passion and humor, and lead students to explore the charisma of math.

Interaction is the key

Before joining SUSTech in 2014, Chen had taught in Hunter College-CUNY for six years. The overseas experience not only arms him with the professional skills, but also enlightens him on the teaching method. An experienced professor has told him that building up the interactive relation between teacher and student is the key to imparting knowledge. “American students are more active in class, and tend to interact more with the teacher, which ensures teaching efficiency,” said Chen, “and one of the challenges of teaching at home is how to engage the students.”

He wants to create a fun and vibrant classroom atmosphere at SUSTech. He prefers to combine mathematics with practical situations. For example, he used to illustrate the pros and cons of different vote systems and how to design a reasonable one in class, which aroused strong interest of the students and encouraged them to actively participate in class. With Chen’s thoughtful arrangement, students can be keenly aware of the widespread use of math.

Teach with passion

“The premise of stimulating students’ learning initiative is teaching with full passion, and good teaching methods can help students to grasp the knowledge,” as Chen put it. He keeps his passion in every class and infects his students. He believes that happiness can be passed and as a teacher, teaching with passion and happiness can push students to engage in the class. “I consider learning as an enjoyment, and I want my students have the same feeling with me,” he said.

Since he came to SUSTech, he has been striving to improve the teaching method with  the help of elder teachers. He notes that mathematics should be connected to practice, just as matrix diagonalization can be used in web page ranking; and Fourier analysis can help to solve the problems in signal processing. This kind of connections make math less abstract and easier to understand. “In the age of Big Data, the application of math is fundamental for data processing and model algorithm,” he said. He intends to reshape students’ math learning experience in SUSTech, and tell them the importance of mathematical knowledge through divergent knowledge and practical applications.

Be a Teacher as well as a companion

Chen Yimao pays particular attention to the difficulties students may encounter in study. With his patience and professional knowledge, he always helps students out and leads them to success. Students are encouraged by his words, “ you don’t have to be the best team-worker, just be the best you can be.” 

He realizes that showing meticulous care and concern for students is conductive to building mutual trust between teachers and students. The feeling of being valued will encourage students to participate in the class more actively. Chen also keeps close contact with students after class via email and telephone, which shows students his chariness and responsibility.

Chen has also provided a lot of helpful advice about study to his students. Under his instruction, students study math with a positive attitude and discuss with fellows in groups. “Discussion is a good method to brainstorm and clarify some complicated knowledge, and the atmosphere drives everyone to resolve difficulties,” Chen said, “a long-term discussion group can enhance students’ learning capacity and improve their skills in life and work.”

Stay positive and optimistic

Chen Yimao always insists that students be the center of the class and keeps dynamic communication with the students. “We should support them to express their views and explore the charisma of math with them,” he said. 

Students enjoy his class and admire his passion and expertise. Besides, his humor and wit is also welcomed by students. Some of his students suggest that he has formed his own unique teaching style, that is, being consistent with the syllabus without repeating every word that the books say and illustrating complicated knowledge with practical examples.

“Stay positive and optimistic toward study and life” is what he often tells his students, “When you are trapped in some puzzles, stop and relax your mind first.” After receiving the award, he hopes that it can be an impetus to further improving his teaching method.