Math Triathlon

Christianity & Mathematics

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Wouldn't you consider anyone who teaches college math to be a numbers person? Well, Dr. Sharon Robbert, one of Trinity's math professors, says she would not fall into that category. She has three degrees in mathematics, but she'll be the first to admit, "I'm not a numbers person." How is that possible?

"Mathematics is a study of patterns. I enjoy the generalization of those patterns. I understand the principles of the patterns, such as arithmetic, algebra, and calculus, but the simple details are not as nearly as much fun.

"I had a student in one of my classes who could calculate some of the complex equations in his head faster than I could with my calculator. So I would let him do the easy arithmetic, and then I would elaborate on the principle using his answer."

Before coming to Trinity in 1993, Dr. Robbert spent four years teaching at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Westchester, Illinois. She attended Calvin College, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts in math education. Later she completed work for her master's and doctoral degrees in mathematics at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Fun is a big part of Dr. Robbert's classes. She believes that math should not be a subject that causes the palms to sweat or the heart rate to speed. She presents the concepts in ways that soothe her students' fears while broadening their perspective.

"I encourage them to think about math in various ways. Everyone doesn't learn in the same way. Some people are visual learners; others learn better through abstract methods; still some are better with words. My students read math, answer essay questions, and use computer visualization during class. It helps them better understand what they learn."

While here, a few of the courses she has taught are calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. When she's not explaining the specifics of vector spaces, she loves vegetable and flower gardening, landscaping, crossword puzzles, and reading. She also likes old movies and classical music.

Dr. Robbert, married and a mother of three children, lives in LaGrange, Illinois. She attends the Christian Reformed Church of Western Springs, where she sings in the choir and teaches Sunday school class.