What you can do to help yourself succeed in algebra

 

1. Attend each class for the entire time of the class.

2. Come to class prepared!  Take a moment to remember what we did at the last class meeting.  Look over the homework you did to be sure you understood the work.  If there was a problem, make a note about it and ask when you get to class.

3. Download class lecture notes.  Do the examples yourself on paper different than the notes pages.  If there are any steps you cannot complete, bring the notes and your efforts in for clarification.

4. “Odd numbered” problems have answers in the back of the text.  You need to verify that you properly solved each problem.  Remember, the answer is NOT the goal.  The process that leads directly to the answer is the goal.  If you cannot achieve the answer in the book, bring your attempts to class so we can find where the error occurred.  This discovery will help your understanding and learning.

5. Learn concepts rather than memorize particular problem solutions.

6. The methods and styles taught in this class are designed to minimize the opportunity for an error.  Do your work in exactly the same way as illustrated in class.  This may be difficult at first, especially if the method of solution is different than you had encountered in a previous class.  All work will be graded according to the styles and standards as presented in class.

7. When quizzes are returned the errors are indicated.  Redo those problems on different paper than that of the original paying particular attention to the errors indicated on the original quiz.

8. Rework any problems missed on an exam on paper different than the original exam.  If you are unable to successfully complete any problem, bring your original exam and all attempts at solution to class to show me.  We will resolve any issues!

9. As you would expect, the first exam is the easiest.  The majority of the material is review from Math102.  While you are allowed to “throw out” one exam, this first exam should not be that “throw-away”.  In fact, you should earn an “A” or a very high “B” on that first exam.  Be sure to practice on the sample exam that is posted on the web site.  The problems are similar and the layout is exactly the same as Exam #1.  Do not assume that you “already know this stuff”.  Study hard and practice so that you will be prepared.

10. Send me an email describing the problem you are doing and tell me what you have already tried.  I will try to give you some pointers that should help you solve the problem.

11. Consider looking at other sites on the Internet.  One I like is http://www.algebra.com/ . They have a huge library of problems and solutions as well as helpers that can respond to your questions.

12. Make friends of your fellow students.  Work with them in the Math Lab.  Talk with them.  Explain to them.  It is not uncommon for another point of view to see something different and that difference might be exactly what makes the topic clear for you.