MATH?!?! REALLY?? REALLY!!

Dr. Yvette HesterAssistant Head for Lecturers and Freshman Programs

Department of Mathematics

ATTITUDEPositive Math attitude is

absolutely essential. Math is not going away. You need 6 credits!!I determine that I WILL do this, or I will get help!

Forewarned is ForearmedCOLLEGE math is DIFFERENT

from HIGH SCHOOL math◦There are NO retests, retries, extra

credit or free lunches◦The pace is at least twice that of a high school math

class, so keep up

Forewarned is ForearmedCollege MATH classes are different from

OTHER College classes◦Don’t fall into the Freshman Failure to attend

class trap!!! You can read a History book to catch up. Not just anyone can read a math book (or wants to).

◦Math is not a spectator sport. YOU must do the work. YOU must work problems. Watching your professor do problems is not enough. Read a book on the War of 1812, you know about the War of 1812. Read a book about how to swim, you will probably drown.

Forewarned is Forearmed

The 3 for 1 Rule:• http://www.math.tamu.edu/~hester

/3for1.pdf

PRACTICE!!!Learning Math is like learning to

play the piano.◦Practice!! Practice!! Practice!!◦Suggested Homework DOES NOT mean OPTIONAL homework.

Get Some Help!!!FREE sources of help from the

Math Department (because we care!!)◦http://www.math.tamu.edu/~

hester/Flyer.pdf

Time ManagementBe OrganizedSet a Study Time as if it were a

ClassTry your homework before going

to office hoursDO NOT wait until the night

before to begin to study for an exam

SHORTCUTSThere ARE NO shortcuts!!Work with your Peers.

◦A lot of learning takes place in focused study groups.

◦Encourage each other!

EXAMSBuild your confidence by looking for

problems that you know or look familiar

When you get your exam back, make all corrections within 2 or 3 days while the material is fresh◦If you don’t know, or can’t find out how in your notes, ask your Prof, your friends, help session, whatever it takes

Profs Pet PeevesCell phones in class

Waiting until the last minute to do your online homework and then wanting extra time because __________

BOTTOM LINEYour Education is Your

ResponsibilityYour Success in Your Classes is

Your ResponsibilitySuccess in Math is Your

Responsibility

BUTDon’t forget

We ARE here to help!!!

http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/