- DEGREES
- BA - Rockhurst College, May '66; Major - Mathematics, Minors - Physics, Philosophy
- MA - The Ohio State University, June '68; Major - Educational Research
- Ph.D. - The Ohio State University, June '72; Major - Educational Research, Minors - Mathematics Education, Developmental Psychology
- BIOGRAPHY
I worked in Educational Research from 1972 - 76; in Market Research from 1976 - 80 (including 3 years at Hallmark Cards); then taught Mathematics full-time at the college level since 1980: at Donnelly College (1980-81), at Rockhurst College (1981-88), now at Kansas City Kansas Community College since 1988. I was also an adjunct faculty member at Johnson County Community College, 1981-88.
- TEACHING STYLE
I lean most heavily on lecture, demonstrating new material by working out even-numbered exercises which match the odd-numbered exercises I assign for homework. I often call on students in class to help me work out problems so they get involved in class discussion and are not "passive" learners. More recently, I have divided classes into groups and have students work together during the class. I visit with the groups during class, trying to teach students individually. I give quite a few tests, quizzes and occasional graded homework. This gives me considerable feedback on student understanding. I strongly encourage students to come to my office for individual tutoring. I emphasize to my students the importance of doing homework and working hard. I try to challenge students, yet at the same time try to be fair. I devote myself 150% to help my students LEARN.
- PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Born in 1944 and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, I am married with no children; however, my wife and I have ten nieces and nephews (including a great-niece and great-nephew) for whom we love to baby-sit. I play the accordion professionally in a polka band and play with a folk choir for Mass almost every week at our Catholic church. In addition, I accompany the Ethnic Choir, with most members from Kansas City, Kansas, when they sing the Polka Mass at various churches several times per year. I played my accordion in the United States Accordion Championship Contest in New York in 1964. In our "spare" time, my wife and I enjoy going to a good movie, musical concerts, theatrical events, and traveling.
- CURRENT TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS
During the Fall '98 Semester, I will be teaching MA 224 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III, MA 105 College Algebra, and two sections of MA 104 Intermediate Algebra (using a computer software package by Academic Computing Systems) - one of these will be an on-line classes on the Internet. Syllabi are available Dr. John M. Soptick . My mailing address is: Mathematics Dept., Kansas City Kansas Community College, 7250 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 66212. Phone: 913-334-1100, EXT 7307.