preparatory mathematics homework help

preparatory mathematics homework help

Effective Strategies for Completing Preparatory Mathematics Homework

1. Introduction to Preparatory Mathematics Homework

However, for students with limited external responsibilities, an incredibly high percentage of my students struggle to complete their homework. One must assume that many of these students are exhibiting a learned helplessness that has been ingrained in them from being forced to complete scholastic assignments that they neither understood nor saw the purpose of completing. Over the years, we have experimented with college preparatory mathematics homework, including strategies, due date flexibility, and argument-based completion. The conclusions we have drawn are collected in this article in an attempt to help other educators implement tried and true strategies. We begin by expounding on why good incidentals were hard to come by, and rarely would I specifically seek out a negative.

Preparatory mathematics homework is one of our students’ first exposures to college. Completion of homework is strongly correlated with success in mathematics, and completion of college math courses can have a lifelong positive impact on earnings and other forms of economic and social capital. Our students are required to complete preparatory mathematics homework to make certain that when they sit in the first class, they are ready to hit the ground running. Homework is even awarded an allotment of points that can make the difference in beginning a course with an A or a B. These points can give some cushion in the first few weeks while attending concept- and skill-based lectures.

2. Key Concepts and Techniques in Preparatory Mathematics

– Topics are not exhaustive. – Topics are not weighted or based on previous courses. – This section is presented so that a few simple grades, like identifying properties, are reviewed. Also, the concepts learned could build confidence and indicate to students what they already recognized as such as success.

Note:

Throughout, it is important to begin with a basic and learning approach in order to become experts in mathematics.

Section A: It is worth noting that the concepts are a variety of topics within preparatory studies, including basic concepts, algebra, geometry, complex numbers, and so on. Some topics that some of you might find useful to check are listed in the following table. For the last three topics, the concepts in Section A were all used in Section B, and the students are expected to use ideas and concepts from these sections.

Preparatory mathematics includes a wide range of fundamental techniques and concepts. Thus, students are encouraged to be active participants in the learning process and to use techniques presented by the instructor, which are most useful, as well as other such techniques that they may assimilate from other sources or develop on their own. Such techniques are those which we have developed and found to be successful, as well as material presented in previous MTH classes. Regular class notes from the semester in which the assignment is given should be utilized as well.

3. Tips and Tricks for Solving Preparatory Mathematics Problems

A good problem-solving plan is to try an easier version of a problem. If an equation is involved, you can substitute a simple value for the variable and determine the value of the equation. Examine your work and verify that you haven’t made any arithmetic mistakes and have shown all your reasoning. Close the problem. Write a closing sentence that answers the question in your own words. For a multi-step problem, summarize what you did for each step. Read and solve the problem again. Find “other numbers” to make a situation that matches the conditions of the problem. For the “other numbers,” start with the easiest solution you can, keeping in mind to work up from easy to hard as well as to keep numbers small to avoid arithmetic. Using numbers found after solving for the “other numbers,” solve the original problem. In this way, you are back solving into the problem to check your solution. If the answer is reasonable and has good mathematical structures, then capture this structure in this new situation. Cross out the words “the original problem” write “this situation,” and, finally, label your answer with its units.

One effective strategy is to break the problem apart and look at what you are given and what you want to know. Quickly read the problem, and if needed, reread it. Consider everything it tells you and all that you have to work with. Sometimes a bar model or table can help you organize information. It is important to notice any patterns or special situations. Look for side constraints or evaluation questions. Start by looking at the numbers and/or values. Often at this point you may see how to solve the problem. Estimate. Judge if the answer is reasonable. Use clues from the word problem to help you decide how to go about solving the problem.

4. Time Management and Study Habits for Preparatory Mathematics Homework

Preparation for dealing with one’s mathematics homework comes in two flavors: self-motivating strategies like those provided here or strategies that externalize motivation and discipline. The latter are typically fee-based organizations that provide support, discipline, and ongoing evaluation from persons outside of the student’s ordinary circles. Some students have found such organizations to be valuable resources that have helped them succeed in their preparatory mathematics class.

It is encouraged that no complaints are made about the quality of the teaching or the pedagogical principles of the text until the homework efficiency habits are firmly established. These study habits are worth developing for college learning, but most studying college students aren’t ready to start developing them yet. This is the time, instead, to consider some procrastination management and motivational control strategies. Procrastination management and motivational control strategies are outlined in the next section.

The most effective users of preparatory mathematics commit to spending a scheduled amount of time on the homework every week, regardless of the estimated time to complete the exercises. This approach trains some important time management skills and develops study and practice habits. This section outlines some useful study habits and practices, encourages the development of good working environments, and establishes some productive habits of the mind.

5. Resources and Support for Further Assistance

For assistance in mathematics or computer science courses, including M095, study sections of M121, M122, or CS 150/151/122, contact the Math Department’s Mathematics Learning Labs, Wilson 2-285 or Wilson 2-295, 994-5659, or the Technical Communication Program’s Writing Center, Wilson 2-242, 994-5319. Faculty and peer tutors can provide help with homework, preparing for tests, understanding mathematics and programming concepts, using technology, and strategies for success in your math classes. Lab hours for the Wilson Hall labs during Fall and Spring semesters are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The Math Lab in the Computer Science building is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; other hours are posted at the Lab. Check with the individual labs for their hours during J-Term and summer semesters.

Even when you use the strategies described here, you may find that you need some assistance in learning how to complete your mathematics homework. For many students, a study group, working with other students who are taking the same course, not only provides the opportunity to get assistance, but also can bring a sense of community to the learning process. One possible place to find a study group is in a Math 9500 course or at one of the UM/MSU Learning Centers in the dormitories. For more detailed explanations or if you need help with computer software, you could go to the Department of Mathematics website on the World Wide Web.

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