Dr. Phil Hotchkiss

Philip Hotchkiss has been teaching college mathematics since 1994 and at Westfield State College since 1998. His most formative mathematical experiences as a student came when working in small groups. It was in these small groups that he really discovered his love for mathematics and teaching. These small groups helped foster his mathematical curiosity and helped form the basis for his belief in Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL).

When Philip began teaching, he used the traditional lecture style in his classes since he didn't know any other way to teach. Through his work with colleagues at previous institutions and involvement in Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching, a program for new and recent PhD's in Mathematics) he slowly began to experiment with collaborative learning and other non-traditional teaching methods. Upon arriving at Westfield he started to learn more about IBL and now uses it almost exclusively in all his classes.

Philip really enjoys the closer interactions with his students and the opportunities for deeper mathematical understanding that the inquiry classroom provides. Not only does he believe this has made him a better teacher, it has also made him a better mathematician.

Philip earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Union College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from The University at Albany, the State University of New York. He taught at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania; Rhodes College in Memphis, TN; and at The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN before coming to Westfield.