Who Understands Algebra?
03-09-2010, 04:56 PM
#61
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
When I went to college in my mid-thirties, many of the topics covered in modern high school algebra had not been taught in high school. Based on the pre-tests, I was advised to drop out of algebra and take a remedial course instead (obviously had forgotten a lot!)
What I did was go to the college bookstore to find a self-study workbook that I went through step-by-step to prepare myself for the class. I also used it as a secondary resource for the homework assignments from class. I worked all the assigned problems, plus the problems in the relevant self-study guide, and probably put in about four times as much time on homework as my classmates.
The professor graded on a curve. As the first test was handed back, he told us the scores ranged from 32 to 98. You guessed it. I had the 98. I was not at all confident about my understanding of what I was doing; all I can say is that spending a lot of time studying worked!
What I did was go to the college bookstore to find a self-study workbook that I went through step-by-step to prepare myself for the class. I also used it as a secondary resource for the homework assignments from class. I worked all the assigned problems, plus the problems in the relevant self-study guide, and probably put in about four times as much time on homework as my classmates.
The professor graded on a curve. As the first test was handed back, he told us the scores ranged from 32 to 98. You guessed it. I had the 98. I was not at all confident about my understanding of what I was doing; all I can say is that spending a lot of time studying worked!
03-09-2010, 05:02 PM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Belle Isle, Florida
Posts: 6,668
Such wonderful advice from everyone! Just remember, you can do it. It may be tough, but you're learning. And I bet you'll be able to look back and see how you've used algebra in everyday life all along. Have fun in college. Stay away from the keg parties!
03-09-2010, 05:07 PM
#63
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Originally Posted by Chele
Stay away from the keg parties!
03-09-2010, 06:56 PM
#66
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Originally Posted by Chele
We do get smarter as we age, MadQuilter! Ask questions, participate in class and drink your beer in moderation when at home!
03-09-2010, 09:51 PM
#68
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 233
Congratulations on returning to school. I finished my degree in 2003 at 62. Loved it!
I had algebra when I was in high school and 1st qtr of college. High school was fun; college was not. Good luck.
Textile science was my problem area at age 60. Got through it though. So you can do it. Arrange for a tutor if necessary.
I had algebra when I was in high school and 1st qtr of college. High school was fun; college was not. Good luck.
Textile science was my problem area at age 60. Got through it though. So you can do it. Arrange for a tutor if necessary.
03-10-2010, 06:25 AM
#70
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Port Angeles, Wa.
Posts: 220
I am in my last week of "pre algebra" and will be soooo glad when it is over, IF I PASS. I am 64 and don't know why I HAD to take it, but it's been a struggle for me. My course is ALL on line with no books. The lessons are all online and you print everything out. I hope you have a lot better luck than I'm having. My "brain" just won't wrap around some of the concepts. Not trying to scare you, just telling you how BAD I'm doing. YOU WILL DO FINE ! ! !
Take advantage of any tutoring you can get.....
Take advantage of any tutoring you can get.....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bearisgray
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
22
06-26-2016 09:15 AM
Vridar
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
19
11-15-2013 08:52 AM
