Bryan Dawson
University Professor of Mathematics
When Bryan Dawson, professor of mathematics, came to Union after working at a secular school, he was grateful for Union鈥檚 academically and spiritually enriching environment.
鈥淎t a state school, I felt like there were certain things that I wanted to say that I couldn鈥檛,鈥� Dawson said. 鈥淭hen I came to Union and all of a sudden I could. I really enjoy that opportunity to be myself in the classroom and with students.鈥�
Before working in higher education, Dawson first received his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in mathematics from Pittsburg State University. He later received his doctorate in mathematics from the University of North Texas.
After completing his education, Dawson began as an assistant professor of mathematics at Emporia State University in 1992. Although he enjoyed his time at the university, Dawson knew that God had been calling him to work in Christian higher education. When Union offered him a position in 1998, Dawson jumped at the opportunity. He cites Union鈥檚 commitment to a Christ-centered community and education as a primary factor.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not the same as a place where it鈥檚 just about academics,鈥� Dawson said. 鈥淗ere, it is about community and spiritual formation and being around like-minded people. It was really a big change 鈥� a very happy change.鈥�
Dawson began as an associate professor of mathematics, eventually serving as the mathematics department chair from 2009-2014. He stepped down from the chair position to pursue a new style of teaching 鈥� the flipped classroom. Dawson uses this method to help students gain more practical experience in the classroom by recording lectures to watch at home. He then guides students through in-class learning activities. On top of increased student interaction, Dawson says this method has, on average, moved his classes鈥� median grades up half a letter grade.
Dawson has also written a calculus textbook that could change how the subject is taught. Using unique procedures and notations of his own makeup, Dawson has created a calculus curriculum through the use of infinitesimals 鈥� a concept originally developed in the 1600s that has since fallen out of modern use.
Dawson鈥檚 method has been published in various academic journals, and Oxford University Press is set to publish his textbook for wider use. In his own classroom, Dawson has found that students respond well to the method, receiving better grades and understanding the material at a higher level. Additionally, other professors within Union鈥檚 mathematics department have implemented the concept in their own lesson plans.
Dawson hopes this new method can help to alleviate the burden on students who struggle to understand the subject.
鈥淲hen God gives you something, you want to share it,鈥� Dawson said. 鈥淚 feel like God has given me these methods, and I see students worldwide struggle with calculus. Why not ease that burden?鈥�
By Caroline Hinrichs (鈥�22)
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