Dr Jennifer (Jen) Noll teaches mathematics courses and works with teachers to help them think about different ways they can teach mathematics and use what we know about how students learn to improve our teaching.
Dr Noll has a lot of hobbies, but a few favourites are hiking, juggling and working with clay. Most vacations involve hiking in the mountains and being in nature. Dr Noll learned to juggle as a teenager and still does that when she has free time. She almost became a ceramic artist, so playing with clay and getting muddy is something she loves to do whenever time allows.
Q&A
1. What was your relationship with maths and stats like in school?
I had a rollercoaster experience in maths and stats in secondary school. Sometimes I loved it and sometimes I hated it. Often, it depended on my teacher and their approach to working with me.
2. Is there a maths teacher you’d like to shout out? How did they support you?
Ms Mac, my grade 8 teacher. I had a horrible grade 7 experience and my teacher had told me I was no good at math. Ms Mac recognised my potential, pushed me very hard to do well, but was also always encouraging and I loved every minute of maths that year.
3. What did you do to get from school to where you are today? Do you have any advice for your younger self or someone interested in maths?
I worked hard. If you want to continue in maths or stats, find people to study with and put the time into working on the material. Also, find those adults who are supportive and encouraging but also push you to do better.
4. What do you wish more people knew about working in maths and stats?
I think a lot of people think that maths is about doing calculations very quickly and that one is either born with strong maths skills or not. But maths is about concepts, ideas and critical thinking skills. Everyone can learn maths and get better at mathematical thinking.