I took Test 2 for my Algebra class. I failed it even worse than my first test. I got a 40%. I attempted 17/20 of the questions.
You do the math. I'm done right about now.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Advising Day
Yesterday was BNU* Advising day at my school. Its when all those hateful souls who are disatisfied with their lot in life decend upon the Jr college campus to crush the dreams of the unsuspecting, or, when the University Advisors from one of the big schools comes to campus to pre-reject you from your school of hope.
Anyway, I talked to the folks in Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology yesterday. Engineering Advisors took no time at all to laugh in my face when I told them I was in Intro. Algebra but wanted to pursue Electronic Technology Engineering, I admit their stance was valid. To be an Engineer you have to take College Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus I, II, and III then start on a series of Discrete Mathematics, and also you cant forget your healthy dose of Trigonometry and all that good stuff. Wow...my head was spinning. (Still is.) I knew that I'd need Calc and a bit of Trig, not to mention a strong base in Algebra but...I dont know. there was something about watching the advisor write a list of Math classes that ran of the friggin PAGE that intimidated me...in the worst sort of way....But, I asked if maybe, just maybe, if I could get to Discrete Math, how hard is it and they just sort of blew me off totally. Wow...
They recommended I look into Computer Science (Medium Math Intensity) and Information Technology (Mild Math Intesity) because Electronic Technology Engineering (Extreme Math Intesivity) was probably not for me.
I talked to the Computer Sciene and Information technology, I learned something new about those fields and I have to say that if the world were perfect and I could easily see myself coping with the math, I'd love to double major in Computer Science and Electronic Technology Engineering because it'd be the perfect fit. I've always wanted to build a gadget and then program it to make it work!
If I study Computer Science I have the option of going for an BA with minimal math, or a BS, more math...
If I go IT, I could avoid math pretty much all together. After doing PreCalculus, hmm....
*Big Name University
Anyway, I talked to the folks in Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology yesterday. Engineering Advisors took no time at all to laugh in my face when I told them I was in Intro. Algebra but wanted to pursue Electronic Technology Engineering, I admit their stance was valid. To be an Engineer you have to take College Algebra, PreCalculus, Calculus I, II, and III then start on a series of Discrete Mathematics, and also you cant forget your healthy dose of Trigonometry and all that good stuff. Wow...my head was spinning. (Still is.) I knew that I'd need Calc and a bit of Trig, not to mention a strong base in Algebra but...I dont know. there was something about watching the advisor write a list of Math classes that ran of the friggin PAGE that intimidated me...in the worst sort of way....But, I asked if maybe, just maybe, if I could get to Discrete Math, how hard is it and they just sort of blew me off totally. Wow...
They recommended I look into Computer Science (Medium Math Intensity) and Information Technology (Mild Math Intesity) because Electronic Technology Engineering (Extreme Math Intesivity) was probably not for me.
I talked to the Computer Sciene and Information technology, I learned something new about those fields and I have to say that if the world were perfect and I could easily see myself coping with the math, I'd love to double major in Computer Science and Electronic Technology Engineering because it'd be the perfect fit. I've always wanted to build a gadget and then program it to make it work!
If I study Computer Science I have the option of going for an BA with minimal math, or a BS, more math...
If I go IT, I could avoid math pretty much all together. After doing PreCalculus, hmm....
*Big Name University
Accumulating Resources!
Okay, so I'm determined to do well in Algebra. I need to take Test 2 and from now on do well.
Currently, I'm doing well, on track in my lab work.
My homework grade is so far so good. My test grades are horrible.
I've only taken 1 test, but I need to take test two ASAP. Also, I need to be sure NOT to fail this class.
I KNOW that once upon a time, I learned this material. Its all in the back of my head somewhere, I knew it. It makes sense when I see it done, I just cant seem to learn how to perform the math myself so that it not only makes sense, but is also accurate when I do it.
I've decided already that the pity party was over. Its not too late to learn, after all: So long as I'm alive, mobile and sentient, I'm able.
I looked more closely into the course software and voila! There are video tutorials. I talked to my teacher Mr. D (God bless this paitient, paitient man!) and he told me that I CAN access previous homework so that I can continue to practice it. Which is what I need to do...
I'm going to download all the tutorials videos that I can so that I can review practice at will in all areas of this math class I'm taking. My mission is to actually master the material I'm learning, because I want to take Intermediate Algebra over the summer. Followed by College Algebra and Math II for liberal Arts in the Fall.
Currently, I'm doing well, on track in my lab work.
My homework grade is so far so good. My test grades are horrible.
I've only taken 1 test, but I need to take test two ASAP. Also, I need to be sure NOT to fail this class.
I KNOW that once upon a time, I learned this material. Its all in the back of my head somewhere, I knew it. It makes sense when I see it done, I just cant seem to learn how to perform the math myself so that it not only makes sense, but is also accurate when I do it.
I've decided already that the pity party was over. Its not too late to learn, after all: So long as I'm alive, mobile and sentient, I'm able.
I looked more closely into the course software and voila! There are video tutorials. I talked to my teacher Mr. D (God bless this paitient, paitient man!) and he told me that I CAN access previous homework so that I can continue to practice it. Which is what I need to do...
I'm going to download all the tutorials videos that I can so that I can review practice at will in all areas of this math class I'm taking. My mission is to actually master the material I'm learning, because I want to take Intermediate Algebra over the summer. Followed by College Algebra and Math II for liberal Arts in the Fall.
Monday, February 8, 2010
2+2 = 5...? Ah who cares, I'm BAAAACK!!!
Alright, so I got a bit of help from my friends, two sisters who are aces in all things math. Just two sessions with them and my confidence is now above my knees again (it'd fallen through the basement floor after Test #1)
I absolutely understand graphing inequalities and was even able to explain it to someone else, and get the answer correct! I did my math homework and online quiz, all by my lonesome in about 30 minutes and got 100 on both. Wow....
I'm on track in the Independent Lab, just a wee bit behind. The goal for Feb 14 was 111 and its now Feb 17 and I'm haven't gone further than 111, I'll have to catch up.
Even though I can do inequalities well enough now, I'm keep screwing up the graphing equations in Two variables things and I'm really insecure about taking the 2nd test....sheesh, whats a girl to do?
EDIT: I'm at 118, I just didn't realize how far ahead I had worked in the lab. That means I'm effectively half way through the lab portion of my course even though class only started on January 6th, yay me!
I absolutely understand graphing inequalities and was even able to explain it to someone else, and get the answer correct! I did my math homework and online quiz, all by my lonesome in about 30 minutes and got 100 on both. Wow....
I'm on track in the Independent Lab, just a wee bit behind. The goal for Feb 14 was 111 and its now Feb 17 and I'm haven't gone further than 111, I'll have to catch up.
Even though I can do inequalities well enough now, I'm keep screwing up the graphing equations in Two variables things and I'm really insecure about taking the 2nd test....sheesh, whats a girl to do?
EDIT: I'm at 118, I just didn't realize how far ahead I had worked in the lab. That means I'm effectively half way through the lab portion of my course even though class only started on January 6th, yay me!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dropping a Class = Giving up = Loser?!?
So, the suspense of whether or not I will fail a test has passed, finally. I failed my first Algebra test. It was spectacular, I was really confident and I thought I knew what I was doing! I was a little uncertain about a couple of problems that asked for solution sets, I dont even remember doing them in class.
I thought maybe I got a B- or even a C because of those questions. I got a 10/24, an F. But since it was computerized and I had a few input errors, my teacher gave me credit for 3 more problems. My final score was 13/24, still an F.
Wow...
Today we start section two, which is something about Graphing....I'm clue less. I tried to look at the material last night but just like in 10th grade, I had NO IDEA what they were talking about. I have until March 26th to make up my mind but I'm not considering dropping this class.
Meeting only Tuesday and Thursday and always in a rush when we do because the Teachers got us on a pacing schedule I dont know if I can keep up. I try to. I really do. I work problems and I always feel that I have an understanding of math BUT when I took that test, I failed it. I wasn't even close.
I have 5 other classes and I try to be realistic. I know that I could take 6 classes if there was no math involved...Math has such a special way of making me feel like the stupidest being on two legs. It really does...
*sigh*
I dont want to rush the decision, but I am thinking about dropping the class, I'll probably wait until March, that way I can see if I can make a turn around, right now I have an F in the class...I've never done this in any class but Algebra....Always in Algebra...
If I drop the class now, I could contine to study but I could do it more regularly and keep going until I have the material "mastered" so what would that mean for my Summer Schedule?
Assuming I pass all my classes this semester (yeah, right!)
I will have:
3 Math classes (Intermediate Algebra + 2 College level maths)
2 Science
1 Humanity
8 hrs of Electives classes standing in my way.
Over the summer, I can do all the Sessions:
Session A: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session B: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session C: Intermediate Algebra
So that in the fall I would have
2 Maths
1 Humanity and
2 (HRs) of Electives to graduate. I'd take a sport (Judo, Tennis, Golf) or Guitar for those two hours of Electives.
I plan to take my College maths Simultaneously. Not one after the other.... But how would having to retake Introductory Algebra throw this schedule off?
I thought maybe I got a B- or even a C because of those questions. I got a 10/24, an F. But since it was computerized and I had a few input errors, my teacher gave me credit for 3 more problems. My final score was 13/24, still an F.
Wow...
Today we start section two, which is something about Graphing....I'm clue less. I tried to look at the material last night but just like in 10th grade, I had NO IDEA what they were talking about. I have until March 26th to make up my mind but I'm not considering dropping this class.
Meeting only Tuesday and Thursday and always in a rush when we do because the Teachers got us on a pacing schedule I dont know if I can keep up. I try to. I really do. I work problems and I always feel that I have an understanding of math BUT when I took that test, I failed it. I wasn't even close.
I have 5 other classes and I try to be realistic. I know that I could take 6 classes if there was no math involved...Math has such a special way of making me feel like the stupidest being on two legs. It really does...
*sigh*
I dont want to rush the decision, but I am thinking about dropping the class, I'll probably wait until March, that way I can see if I can make a turn around, right now I have an F in the class...I've never done this in any class but Algebra....Always in Algebra...
If I drop the class now, I could contine to study but I could do it more regularly and keep going until I have the material "mastered" so what would that mean for my Summer Schedule?
Assuming I pass all my classes this semester (yeah, right!)
I will have:
3 Math classes (Intermediate Algebra + 2 College level maths)
2 Science
1 Humanity
8 hrs of Electives classes standing in my way.
Over the summer, I can do all the Sessions:
Session A: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session B: 1 Science, Elective (3)
Session C: Intermediate Algebra
So that in the fall I would have
2 Maths
1 Humanity and
2 (HRs) of Electives to graduate. I'd take a sport (Judo, Tennis, Golf) or Guitar for those two hours of Electives.
I plan to take my College maths Simultaneously. Not one after the other.... But how would having to retake Introductory Algebra throw this schedule off?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Why Sucky Math Skills CAN be Good for You
Okay, so yesterday was my last day to finish my SPI (Self-Paced Instruction) class about the US Constitution and I had been trying to review for my last test all weekend, I was rather unsuccessful and it was frustrating because it was material I'd studied and at one point felt that I knew well enough to be tested on.
I was reviewing after my morning class, willfully skipping my Psych class in favor of preping for this impending test. Anyway, I'd concluded last night that since I had a "B" average in the class, I must get another "B" to recieve a "B" on my transcript, but I sat down to do the math quickly with pen and paper and I was surprised and absolutely delighted to find that actually, I could get a flat "D" on the 3rd test and still recieve a B in the class.
I checked twice more, becoming more and more excited as I went. (84+88+60=232, 232/3=77. just so you know) Anyway, I was doing it on paper and calculating in my head and I came up with an average of 84. I told myself that it didn't make sense but I checked again and again and even asked a friend to double check my numbers because they were so delightfully shocking. It didn't make since, BUT the numbers added up!
Anyway, after taking some of the stress off myself by realizing all I "needed" for a "B" in the class was a "D" on the test I was able to concentrate on my studies and found that I DID in actuality know the material. I self-quizzed for a little while and then I went to test. I feel really confident about my test score. I think I may have even gotten an "A" thanks to the extra credit.
Anyway, riding home on the bus I used a calculator because the little voice in the back of my head kept insisting I pay more attention when it said that B+B+D/3 = B average.
So I used the calculator and sure enough, earning a flat D on that test would pull my grade down to a C. Even getting a "C-" or "C"on the test would make my course grade a C so I needed at least a C+, but I really do feel that I made a high B or maybe, just maybe, an "A"
Anyway, the moral of the story: Unless you have a math test coming up, sometimes sucky mathskills can be good for you. They can give you the confidence you need to achieve your potential.
I was reviewing after my morning class, willfully skipping my Psych class in favor of preping for this impending test. Anyway, I'd concluded last night that since I had a "B" average in the class, I must get another "B" to recieve a "B" on my transcript, but I sat down to do the math quickly with pen and paper and I was surprised and absolutely delighted to find that actually, I could get a flat "D" on the 3rd test and still recieve a B in the class.
I checked twice more, becoming more and more excited as I went. (84+88+60=232, 232/3=77. just so you know) Anyway, I was doing it on paper and calculating in my head and I came up with an average of 84. I told myself that it didn't make sense but I checked again and again and even asked a friend to double check my numbers because they were so delightfully shocking. It didn't make since, BUT the numbers added up!
Anyway, after taking some of the stress off myself by realizing all I "needed" for a "B" in the class was a "D" on the test I was able to concentrate on my studies and found that I DID in actuality know the material. I self-quizzed for a little while and then I went to test. I feel really confident about my test score. I think I may have even gotten an "A" thanks to the extra credit.
Anyway, riding home on the bus I used a calculator because the little voice in the back of my head kept insisting I pay more attention when it said that B+B+D/3 = B average.
So I used the calculator and sure enough, earning a flat D on that test would pull my grade down to a C. Even getting a "C-" or "C"on the test would make my course grade a C so I needed at least a C+, but I really do feel that I made a high B or maybe, just maybe, an "A"
Anyway, the moral of the story: Unless you have a math test coming up, sometimes sucky mathskills can be good for you. They can give you the confidence you need to achieve your potential.
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