How to succeed in Redesign (Emporium) Math

Not a Spectator Sport!

• No matter how many times you sit and watch the game, you don’t learn how to do this shot

• Expecting math to be taught to you by sitting and watching is the same!

• You learn both by doing, and practicing it repeatedly!

So, rather than lecture, what do I (the instructor) do?

Believe it or not, math did not come naturally to me. I remember struggling through algebra.Think of me as a trainer. If you hit a snag (hang-up, wall, trouble spot, question) I can help you get through. But to be able to do this I need to see you in action. If you don’t understand something, ask questions! Come to class, show me what you have tried. Show me your notes. Tell me what you think you understand. (It is okay to guess)My main job here is to work as a math tutor, trainer and coordinator. I have been tutoring a long time!I am available outside of class as well!I can be found in the Learning Commons when I am not in class:Monday 9:30-4:30Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8-4:30Wednesday 9:30-7:00

But I can’t work with you if you don’t come see me!

This Does Not Happen!

Notes!• Follow along with the

lectures and fill in your notes in your STUDENT WORKBOOK.

• There are pages that correspond to the module video lectures.

• Make note of special terminology and learn to use it.

• Annotate your notes. Namely: don’t just write the problems down and go through the steps, make notations on what you are doing and why.

This is what good math notes look like!

Help from Peers• How do most people that

succeed with an exercise program manage to stick with it? They work with a partner!

Your classmates can be a great resource. Someone that just struggled through a topic and figured it out can point the way. As an added bonus: it helps reinforce the concept for them if they explain it. (That’s my secret to appearing like I know what I am doing)

Errors!• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

You learn best from errors that you correct. Those will stick in your brain.

• When you do make an error, go back and figure out what you did wrong. • Don’t rush. Many “careless” errors can be

avoided by being deliberate and taking to time to look over the problem.

• If you find yourself making the same errors frequently, make a list of these and how to correct them. Make a review of this list a part of your prep time for tests.

Practice

• You learn math by doing. The more you work problems, the better you will become.

• You will not necessarily “get it” instantly. If you don’t understand something right off, take a break and come back to it.

• Perseverance is the key.

Don’t Miss Practice

• Math takes time to sink in and is cumulative.

• Be sure to attend and actively participate in class. An athlete that skips training will not be successful at the big game.

Don’t Procrastinate

• Do not wait until right before a deadline to complete assignments (or the last week of the semester)