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Subject Specialist in Mathematics and Coding & Programming at Ontario Tech University. I make complex mathematics accessible — through inquiry-based teaching, freely available course materials, and research on AI in assessment.
About
I am passionate about mathematics and its education. Mathematically, I am interested in group theory and algebraic number theory. Educationally, I am interested in inquiry-based learning and the use of AI in education. Through undergraduate research I've seen how novel mathematical insight emerges when students engage with mathematics in unfamiliar ways — reinforcing my belief in the deep connection between mathematical discovery and effective andragogy.
Education
M.Ed., Ontario Tech University — 2025
B.Sc. Applied & Industrial Mathematics, Ontario Tech University — 2024
Research interests
Group theory
Algebraic number theory
AI in education
R. L. Moore's method
Mathematics education
Reading list — books I've found worth the time Open
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Teaching
Math among friends
Mathematics should first be shared among friends, with rigour available but never overwhelming. The fortress stays intact — the door is just left open.
The approach
Informal understanding before formal definitions
Multiple pathways into the same idea
Rigour available in footnotes, on the learner's terms
Space to address and heal math trauma
In practice
A non-judgmental room for exploration
Confidence built one small victory at a time
Course archive
Interactive tools
Small things to poke at while you work — each opens in place.
Mini-courses
What students say
Share your experience →Ben actually does the examples and properly shows students how to do the work. His friendly and kind personality also goes a long way to make difficult concepts easier and helps to make the learning environment comfortable.
February 2025
Ben is superb at explaining math concepts to make it easy to understand. He is a very passionate teacher who will make sure the student understands the topic at hand even if it seems complicated at first.
December 2024
One of the most helpful, positive and skilled explainers of mathematical concepts I have ever come across. Super friendly and highly approachable, which really goes a long way in motivating others to try their best and reach out for support.
November 2024
Publications
Books
Applications for Linear Algebra
An applications-first text: each chapter opens with a real problem — currency arbitrage, protein folding, textile weaving — and lets the mathematics emerge from it. For students past a first course.
ISBN 979-8-277-39516-5 · Paperback
Buy on Amazon →
Graph Theory by Inquiry
A first course in graphs, given as statements to prove and problems to work rather than results to read. The proofs are yours to write, in the space provided.
ISBN 979-8-250-59686-2 · Paperback
Buy on Amazon →
Recurrences by Inquiry
Recurrence relations built from the ground up by the reader — solving, closing and bounding them through worked inquiry rather than exposition.
ISBN 979-8-198-76730-0 · Paperback
Buy on Amazon →The By Inquiry series gives students only the exercises and theorems — the ones they are meant to complete themselves — with blank space in the book to do it. Nothing is worked out for you. Applications for Linear Algebra sits apart from the series.
Writing
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Read more →
In memory of Jyrki Koivisto
The following is a quotation from my late mentor to my high school graduating class. A couple of months after sharing this advice, at the age of 48, he passed away of a sudden brain aneurysm. His philosophy has consistently guided mine, especially in teaching.
I have 3 pieces of advice:
1. Always be true to yourself.
2. Always give to others.
3. Always persevere; never give up.
4. Don't worry: there is a future for all of us.
5. Always bring a towel.
Contact
Get in touch
benjamin (dot) fedoruk (at) ontariotechu (dot) ca
(365) 363-7000
Supporting my work
Everything I make — here, on TikTok, and in other open spaces — earns me nothing, and it will always stay free. I am strongly against charging struggling students a fee; it goes against my whole being.
If you're a non-student who has found these resources helpful, you can buy me a coffee. That's most welcome from former students (after course completion), other educators, and professionals using these materials.
I do not accept donations from current students, as it could create a conflict of interest. Donations have no impact on grades, access to help, or content availability — and please don't contribute if you aren't financially stable. There is no expectation of support.
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