Dr. Sindhu Unnithan

Department: Mathematics

Hometown: Trivandrum, India

At Xavier Since: 1989

Degree: Ph.D (Mathematics), 1991, Tulane University

Comments on Teaching and Learning at Xavier: I have noticed that students have different needs, and I always use teaching strategies with this in mind, for the benefit of the students. I have incorporated group learning, making every student involved in the class, and advising them on tips for good study skills. For some of my freshmen classes, I make my students take a pledge "I can do this," to motivate and challenge them--and this has really worked for me. I give student surveys to my class to get their valuable suggestions and try to change my teaching practices as needed. Faculty get good support for their professional development from various sources, especially the Center for the Adavncement of Teaching, and I am proud to have used the Center’s services for the past year. I believe it is very important that faculty prepare their lesson plans with the students in mind; they should be aware of all the support that they can get for their professional needs, especially from CAT and from their respective departments.

CAT Projects

• Review of a Mathematics Course Portfolio (successfully completed)
• A Course Portfolio for MATH 1010: Principles of Modern Math (successfully completed)

February 3, 2005