My Math Lab

A New Way to Learn Mathematics

George Patton

•“Accept challenges, so that you may feel the

exhilaration of victory.”

ON-Line Learning

• Student Uses My Math Lab for Homework, and Chapter Tests

• Student Responsible for Deadlines

• Attendance Crucial

• Organized Notebooks Crucial

• Graphing Calculator Required– TI-84+ or TI 83+ Recommended

How to Be Successful

• 1. Attend Class Every Day

• 2. Have an Excellent Notebook

• 3. Watch Deadlines and keep ahead of time schedule

• 4. Use All Resources Available

• 5. Keep a Positive Attitude!

Success is Not Magic!

Attendance

• Attendance is Crucial for Success!

• Be On Time – Tardy is the same as an absence.

• If Absence – Leave message – phone or e-mail

Homework - Notebook

• Take good Notes in Class• Organize Notes after class – transcribe

material from text as needed including major concepts and Examples.

• 3-Ring Notebook with dividers• Use Colors to emphasize ideas• Ongoing process – Notebooks used on Tests

Homework PreparationResources

• My Math Lab – Videos of Content

• My Math Lab – Power Point

• My Math Lab – after unsuccessful try, help is given. Make notes about method to do problem

• My Math Lab – after 3 tries, ask for a similar problem

Resources

• Study Center – Free Tutoring – walk in or individual - *** Use This!!!!

• Groups – Form a Study Group

• Buddy – Have a contact person if you have to be absent

• Videos – videos (CD’s) in Learning Resource Center (library)

Resources Continued

• Instructor Web Page

• Power Point Slides

• How To Study

• How to Take a Test

• Power Point Presentations

Each Chapter - Overview of Content

Computers

• My Math Lab needs a good Computer with access to internet – high speed best.

• Have a Back Up Plan and a Back up to the Back Up Plan

• In case personal computer goes bad.

• RCC – Library – Labs – Public Library

Excuses

• Saying that the computer went bad is NO EXCUSE!.

• Saying that you waited too late is NO EXCUSE!.

• Saying you forgot the deadline is NO EXCUSE!.

• The Only Excuse is having died and been reincarnated. (Does not happen often.)

Homework - Doing

• Have all Resources Available• Have Calculator, Textbook• Have Notebook that is updated• Have pencil and paper – Do all those

problems that need to be worked out completely with pencil and paper – then record the answer on my math lab

• If Incorrect – make notes in notebook

Homework – Special Notes

• Homework can be tried unlimited times.

• One can start homework and go back to a problem set.

• My Math Lab keeps track of your homework grade

• Be Very Careful in Entering Answers

• READ INSTRUCTIONS

Homework

• Best Score Counts

• Strive to be ahead of Deadlines

• Never settle for less than 70%

• Strive for 90% or better

• Instructor can see how much time you use

Homework difficulties

• If one has a problem that is one you absolutely cannot do, make a hard copy of the problem and take it to the Study Center or the Instructor

Contacting Instructor

• If e-mailing instructor – be specific – give your entire name, give your course and section number (or time)

• Be specific on problem –

• The Instructor cannot change what is a correct answer in My Math Lab.

Common Homework Errors

• Using a decimal instead of a fraction

• Rounding to different amounts that requested.

• Be careful of parentheses

• Use the math palate that comes with My Math Lab

• Double Check answer before submitting

Chapter Test Preparation

• Do the Homework for the chapter sections discussed and assigned.

• Strive to reach 90% or better on homework.

• 70% is the absolute minimum one should accept. Less than that and the test will be very unsatisfactory grade wise.

Study Plan - Practice Tests

• All Chapter Tests have a practice test

• Tests that count are the “A” tests

• Practice tests are the “B” tests

• Take the B test – then use the Study Plan and that will show you where you are weak and provide problems to practice on these specific problems.

Study Plan - Continued

• Those students who consistently use the Study Plan could add 2% to their overall grade.

• This can make a major difference in borderline cases (between an A or B)

Chapter Test Continued - Time

• You are allowed 180 minutes for the chapter test on My Math Lab.

• Most students range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

• Do not start and leave the computer for any length of time – after 180 minutes you will be shut out by My Math Lab.

Chapter Test – Continued - Retakes

• You are allowed to retake the test as many times as you desire until Deadline!

• Doing a retake will not better a grade unless more studying is done.

• BEST Score Counts on tests

• Strive to have at least a 70% or better on chapter tests.

Grading

• Percents will be announced

• Homework is ___% of grade

• Tests are ___% of grade

• The Final exam and other items are __% of the grade.

Success is Within Your Reach

• You Can Pass this Class!

• Attend – Organize Notebook

• Do Homework – above 70%

• Do Tests – above 70%

Mathematics Help

• Help is available in Study Center

• Help is available in Class

• Help is available from the Instructor

• Help is available on My Math Lab– Power points– Videos – Practice Tests – Study Plan– How to do homework Problems

Major Points to Success

• View Class as a To Do List!

• Attendance is Crucial

• Stay Ahead of Deadlines

• Get Help whenever You Need It.• Use All your Resources.

“Build up your weaknesses until they become your strengths.”

Knute Rockne – Notre Dame football coach