2.8M views · Dec 31, 2012 · 44:09 · 3 HN recommenders · 3 mentions · discussed 2017–2018
The first lecture of MIT 6.042J Mathematics for Computer Science, taught by Tom Leighton, introducing mathematical proofs. It covers propositions, implication and basic proof methods.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN users recommend it as a good discrete math course for programmers, praising Leighton's relatable stories that motivate new concepts.
“the professor tells relatable stories to motivate the new concepts”HN comment, 2018
“is a good one”
Good MIT lecture series on mathematics for computer science
The Fall 2010 version of MIT 6.042J Mathematics for Computer Science is a good one (as I recall there are several versions online from different years), and someone from Google is teaching it this year (haven't heard if the videos will be made available online): this video
“the professor tells relatable stories to motivate the new concepts”
Lecture with relatable stories motivating new concepts
Some MIT professors use a method termed "practice-theory-practice". link __ I see this as a "practical" lecure, also from MIT: the professor tells relatable stories to motivate the new concepts. Though I imagine good storytelling is harder than it looks. this video (I've actually been so inspired by this approach that I sometimes incorporate it into conversation whenever I really want someone to understand something.) __ This is perhaps worth reading: Knuth - Theory and Practice. link Disclaimer: I have not read it yet.
“As an exemplar, I submit Akamai CTO and MIT professor Tom Leighton.”
Exemplar of a researcher who also teaches well
Teaching requires a set of distinct skills which are different from researching. Naturally not everyone is equally gifted or developed in all areas. One of the most valuable skills in life is the ability to adapt your mental models and present ideas at an audience-appropriate level. It is useful in teaching; it is also useful in leadership, sales, design... As an exemplar, I submit Akamai CTO and MIT professor Tom Leighton. this video
