An Interview with Gilbert Strang on Teaching Linear Algebra

MIT 18.06SC Linear Algebra, Fall 2011
Instructor: Gilbert Strang, Sarah Hansen

In this video, Professor Gilbert Strang shares how he infuses linear algebra with a sense of humanity as a way to engage students in learning mathematics.

License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

[TheFrygar]

Gil Strang is a legend. I learned so much from him even though I never set foot on MIT's campus. Glad to see him still active after all these years.

[saladmaster]

i just want to give him a hug for his love towards his teaching

[boringstuffs]

The guy is million times more enthusiastic than my 26 yr old maths teacher... Hats off

[thomaskember]

He certainly shows there is a big difference between knowing a subject and knowing how to teach it to others.

[gigispence]

My linear algebra class at Columbia used his textbook and my professor even recommended that we watch his videos. Gilbert Strang taught me that mathematics is elegant and beautiful and I ultimately switched from physics to math after this course.

[mrrogiewilson]

Gilbert Strang is one of the BEST professors in the whole world! He has the power to really transmit knowledge and encourage students to learn more. He’s so charismatic and loves what he does. If a Nobel Prize of Mathematics existed it should be given to him for his great labour to the world of mathematics!!

[mertemre]

Man the energy ... even though his body aged, his mind, movements and mimics are the same ... I never attend to your class physically but probably I learned more efficiently than my 20 years education best wishes for you !

[BackToBackSWE]

THE BEST IN THE GAME!!! THE BEST IN THE GAME!

[irenepat.]

I've watched all his videos of 18.06 to study for my linear algebra finals and watching this video as last made me cry so much. It's really been my honor to say that I (sort of) am one of his students. Thank you professor

[joyjitpaul]

He made me fall in love with linear algebra. I studied at an engineering college where the subject was taught very mechanically. His lectures were like a breath of fresh air.

[xitauxitau]

More than twenty years after college, I stumbled upon the gem that is MIT 18.06 taught by Professor Strang. Watching him giving the lectures on the subject really changed my understanding of and perspective on some of the basic concepts of linear algebra. I would like to imagine Professor Strange as the great mentor I never had the luck to have in real life, and I am so lucky to finally find him on the Internet through MIT OCW. Thank you sir!

[focus_on_X]

Linear-Algebra became trivial because of this guy.

[Jean-Berry]

Oh my God Prof. Strang has gotten old. I remember watching 18.06 lectures like 2 years ago. He is one of the best professors out there. I have learned *SO MUCH* from him. He's a legend!

[pablobadino]

"The thing is I like students, I like math, and putting them together is just the best job in the world." (G.Strang)

[sebah]

One of my heroes. I owe a lot to this man. Thank you very much Prof. Strang.

[farnazzinnah]

I watch this video whenever I feel like giving up on Linear Algebra. Listening to him gives me encouragement to learn Math not for grades, but to understand what actually math means. Hats off to this legend.

[bluehornet]

What a great man.

Several years ago I was trying to learn more about Linear Algebra, and found the OCW stuff. I emailed Dr. Strang about where I could get his textbook, and he responded very quickly. He put me in contact with someone on his end, and within a few days...I had the text book. Incredible.

The man is a legend, and this entire program is a huge credit to humanity. Thank you MIT!

[rxx]

wish you a very long and healthy life, Professor Strang.

[MyWissam]

Wow, his humility at end of lecture made me tearful ... he is thanking us!? I've lived my mathematical life with this man's first edition books since I was a twenty year old kid!

[sampanurag]

Prof Gilbert Strang moves me from "need to" to "want to" learn Math. Thank you so much!