Visiting and Adjunct Faculty

Rick Darnell

Lecturer

Contact

Office
Math 004C
Phone
(406) 243-6812
Email
Richard.Darnell@umontana.edu
Office Hours

In Person:
   Tue: 9:30-12 (You can try 12-1...If I don't have a dept meeting, I'll be here.)
   Wed: 2-3:30
   Fri: 2-3:30
And, by appointment (email or call to schedule)

Online (Zoom): By Appointment at Zoom Meeting Room

***Making the most of our time during office hours***

Answer this question...Why are you coming to see me?

  • Get help with a homework question or general topic from class
    • Try to identify what it is you know AND don't know. The more you can communicate these two things, the easier it is for us to have a productive conversation.
    • Bring in a specific homework question (or two, or three, or...) that you're working on, and be able to explain what you understand AND don't understand about it. "I don't understand any of it," is not a helpful starting point, and is frustrating to us all as I have to go on a "fishing expedition" to try and figure out what exactly it is you're having issues with.
  • Talk about grades
    • Be sure to check the syllabus and your current grade on Moodle.
    • Is the issue a missing or incorrect score for an assignment? Have evidence and documentation as appropriate to confirm the missing or inaccurate information.
    • Is it to make a plan for improving a grade over the course of the semester? Come equipped with ideas and a plan that will serve as the starting point for our conversation.

Personal Summary

I am a native of the Kansas City area, who left soon after college to head west. The first stop was east central Wyoming, where I met my wife Jane. After more than 30 years of marriage, we've traveled the intermountain west with our two daughters and various pets as Jane has advanced in her career with the US Forest Service. This is our second tour of duty through Missoula -- the first being more than 25 years ago -- and it has been quite enjoyable to see how the town has changed and evolved over the intervening years.

Education

  • Kansas State University (Mass Communications/Radio-TV), B.S. 1988
  • Regis University (Mathematics), B.A. 2004
  • Chadron State College (Mathematics Education), M.A. 2012

Courses Taught

  • M105: Contemporary Mathematics (MWF 10 am LA 103B)
  • M115: Probability and Linear Mathematics (MWF 1 pm NULH)
  • M162: Applied Calculus (MWF Noon NULH)

Previous UM classes taught

  • M121: College Algebra
  • M132: Number and Operations for Elementary School Teachers
  • M133: Geometry and Measurement for Elementary Teachers
  • M234: Higher Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers
  • EDU497: 5-12 Mathematics Pedagogy

Teaching Experience

  • University of Montana, 2016-Present
  • St. Joseph Elementary & Middle School (Missoula), 2020-21 (Covid-19 Sabbatical)
  • Western Nebraska Community College, 2008-2015
  • Eastern Wyoming College, 20012-2014
  • Laramie County (Wyo.) Community College, 2006-2008, 2011-12
  • Chadron State College (Neb.), 2010-11
  • Chadron Public Schools (Neb.), 2008-2010
  • Laramie County (Wyo.) Public Schools, 2001-2005, 2007-2008
  • Liberty Common Charter School (Colo.), 2006-2007

Honors / Awards

University of Montana, Outstanding Performance Award, 2022-23, for efforts in improving instructional quality on campus and reducing DWF rates in freshman service math courses
National Institute for Scientific Teaching (Yale Univ), Scientific Teaching Fellow and Mentor
Regis University, Magna Cum Laude, 2004

Hobbies

I'm an avid bike commuter who would like to spend more time touring and camping on two wheels. When I'm not riding, I do a fair amount of "wrenching" on our family fleet of cycles, including doing maintenance and rebuilding work for friends as well. My wife and I also enjoy spending time hiking, camping, and floating when we can find the time and opportunities.

Other time is spent playing harmonica and ukulele, exploring with our dog, visiting our kids and grandkid, and trying to keep on my goal of reading at least one book a month.