By Jeannen Hobbs, contributing writer
Keith Luoma, assistant professor and associate chair of the Department of Learning Support, likes the idea that he can make a difference in his students’ lives.
“Respecting the students and not treating them like they are incapable of learning is important,” says Mr. Luoma. This philosophy has guided Mr. Luoma through his 20 years of teaching learning support classes. “I try to use phrases like ‘Today we are going to look at…’ or ‘Today we are going to explore…’; that way they don’t feel intimidated by the professor/student dynamic, ” he says.
Students often say that Mr. Luoma makes them believe that he is learning the subject with them. No question is unimportant, and no answer is too outlandish. His respect for his students as well as for the mathematical profession is reflected in his journal, Mathematical Connections. Mr. Luoma’s goal is to introduce students to a more relaxed environment of learning.
In 1992, he and Steve Whittle, assistant professor, learning support, created the journal, a publication that takes a look at how math is applied to the humanities. The journal also examines some of Plato’s works and applications of math as it deals with a religious people. Initially, the magazine was released in print; however, now it may be established as a strictly online database. By moving to an online journal, he and Mr. Whittle hope to reach a larger audience about the many applications of mathematics—aside from a strictly science or engineering context.
Mr. Luoma’s current research pertains to the creation of a catalog system for early coinage of the Bhutan. There are 25 varieties of this hammered coinage in existence, but there are over 200 types yet to be listed. He hopes to be able to come up with an efficient and accurate way to categorize these unlisted coins.
Mr. Luoma received his associate’s degree from Macomb Community College, bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit, and master’s degree from George Mason University. He has been featured in several academic publications such as the Mathematical Gazette, Mathematical Reflections, and the Alabama Journal of Mathematics.
Name: Keith Luoma
Position: Assistant Professor, Associate Chair of the Department of Learning Support/University College
Years at ASU: 20 years
Family: Wife, Linda, and two daughters, Lauren and Rachel
Pets: 3 cats, Isaac, Coco, and Puff
Favorite Hobbies: Gardening, exercising, and exploring in the woods
Apr 30, 2010
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