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For motivation: briefly, I was at Union College and was asked to teach Linear. I saw a second edition of Strang's book, thought it was wonderful (still do), and adopted it. But the students, who were perfectly good students, did not get it. They just couldn't solve the problems that a person should solve in that class. I decided after some reflection that the folks I had need to be brought along to where they are ready for a higher level understanding. So I put together a presentation that uses lots of examples, motivation, and naturalness to try and develop maturity in people who do not yet have it.
(Again, I'm not talking Strang's book down, it is very fine indeed. But the students that I have in front of me at this point are just not yet ready.)
For motivation: briefly, I was at Union College and was asked to teach Linear. I saw a second edition of Strang's book, thought it was wonderful (still do), and adopted it. But the students, who were perfectly good students, did not get it. They just couldn't solve the problems that a person should solve in that class. I decided after some reflection that the folks I had need to be brought along to where they are ready for a higher level understanding. So I put together a presentation that uses lots of examples, motivation, and naturalness to try and develop maturity in people who do not yet have it.
(Again, I'm not talking Strang's book down, it is very fine indeed. But the students that I have in front of me at this point are just not yet ready.)