You know what I don't understand -- algebra class rant

[Nocturnal]

Yes, I've spoken to quite a few of them and they all don't understand what she teaches. But nobody asks any questions!!!!! That's the entire point! I mean this past quiz we took, we take a daily quiz on our previous nights homework, we all got Ds and Fs. Even this girl who is really smart!!! I guess she didn't understand. We also took that quiz with partners, meaning we could share answers and also talk amongst ourselves!!!!

 

[BigJelly]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: BigJelly

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
NOBODY asks questions. Why???

I want to, but I don't want to be looked upon as a stupid moron.

What's the rolling eyes for?

You answered your question and don't realize it:
You don't ask questions for fear of being looked on as the class dumb@ss and ask why no one asks questions (Take a guess).

 

[Martin]

I suggest you forget lectures, learn from the book, do ALL suggested/assigned questions...even the optional ones. If the book isn't that good, get this book. It was perhaps the best book I had to read this year...very clear and concise...good questions with all solutions provided in the solution manual. I skipped A LOT of lectures, and still got higher than average (82%). Plus, in the end it all made sense. vector spaces, inner products all fall into place...


Good luck.

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal

Originally posted by: Moralpanic
If nobody in the class understands what she's teaching, and you ask, how does that make you a moron? Sounds like you don't understand, are afraid of asking, and placing the blame on her.

Ok, so I'm afraid to ask questions. Anyone have tips to get over this? You know why I think I'll feel like a moron, remember when your teacher said "No question is a stupid question." Well I think they're wrong. Everyone likes to giggle and say sh1t like ahahah that dumb ass he doesn't understand that.

I'm anxious, I have an anxiety problem, and I often think the worse thoughts possible.

Sounds like you're social phobic... if so, nobody here is going to be able to help you. You'll need professional help, or some realization that whatever you say, isn't going to be ridiculed... and even if it was, it's not the end of the world. Ever think of trying Paxil and see how that works for you?

Like Astaroth33 said, you paid for the education, get your money's worth. Nobody cares how smart or dumb you are... and if they did, what does it matter to you? When you sit in silence, and trying to be invisible, who are they to you? Are they getting closer to you while you're this invisible guy in the corner? Or are they getting more distant? If you start asking questions, how does that change? Are you losing friends you would have had if you were that silent guy in the corner? No, so where's the lost? Just realize that nothing changes whether you're silent or speak out... except that you lose out on learning.

 

[aswedc]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
Ok here's a problem, I am doing substitution and finding out the what x and y are.

So the equation turns out to be indefinate or infinite solutions or something. Why is it infinate?

Infinate probaby means that the two equations can be simplified to be exactly equal to each other, so any answer would work, like 2x + 7 = y and 4x + 14 = 2y. Not sure if thats right or about indefinate, been a while since I took Algebra...

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
Yes, I've spoken to quite a few of them and they all don't understand what she teaches. But nobody asks any questions!!!!! That's the entire point! I mean this past quiz we took, we take a daily quiz on our previous nights homework, we all got Ds and Fs. Even this girl who is really smart!!! I guess she didn't understand. We also took that quiz with partners, meaning we could share answers and also talk amongst ourselves!!!!

If you all get Ds and Fs, yet choose not to ask questions about the material, you all deserve what you get. The quality of your education will only be what you put into it, and none of you are putting anything into it. You have to break out of the pattern of being afraid to look like an idiot, because if you all fail for that reason, you're all idiots by definition.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
When I was in college level calculus, everyone in the class understood that going over the previous night's homework and asking questions was THE most important part of the class, and we basically made the instructor answer and explain. Of course, I took calculus classes at night, and the class was composed largely of adults who understood the psychology of teaching, and weren't willing to put up with any bovine poop.

My advice would be to start asking intelligent questions, and get other students to do the same. Insist upon your right to be educated.

LOL @ bovine poop.

 

[CubicZirconia]

Remember, it is the teacher's obligation to teach. If you don't understand, force yourself to ask questions. I understand it can be hard to ask questions (I have a problem with it too), but you'll be glad you did.

 

[Koing]

Try and just *ignore* them and have the mind set of *I dont' give a fvck what these people thinkg. I paid for this education so I am going to learn*. I know its harder to put in to practice but do try.

Also DEFINATELY take up Jiu Jitsu or any MA. This should really help your self esteem get better. I bet after 6 months you will feel great. Not only have you learnt a MA but you are getting fitter. This should help to translate your new found confidence in to you to ask questions in class.

TRUST me no one else matters in that room, apart from you and the teacher. Just listen to her and try to take it in.

Seek professional help also if you think you need it. Seek it anyway and see what they say. Also since you said you had ADD have you told your Dr that the medicine that was prescribed didn't work?

Also its easy to get someone in to an armbar😀 A flying triangle is harder but alright if you can jump well and are quick.

<-- Going sparring with a bunch of mates in a Judo room tomorrow! w00t w00t!

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I guess it's also kinda hard because the com college I go to are filled with ghetto people. It's located in one of the more ghetto areas.

I am not sure how this applies to your situation.

 

[Nocturnal]

I'm at work but I'll definately be online later tonight to ask some math related questions.

I appreciate this forum and I appreciate all of the kind suggestions you've given me.

 

[everman]

Just ask questions, ask for explanations etc. Most of the time you're not the only one with that question either.

 

[CubicZirconia]

I don't have anything to do (like usual), bring on the math questions.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
I'm at work but I'll definately be online later tonight to ask some math related questions.

I appreciate this forum and I appreciate all of the kind suggestions you've given me.

ditto.

I'll be asking questions like that here next semester when I have a Maths Unit also. My maths isn't that great and can't do some things.

This forums great.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

i really had no problems w/ any teacher..they may be bad, but if u listen hard enough, u'll get it.....u just have to get "used to" the professor.........as for elementary algebra....c'mon man, just practice...this is more like elementary math....you don't know math if you don't know algebra and beyond....i basically taught myself algebra 1 and 2 just by reading the book....and that was during middle school...

if u want motivation...

i can give u two different motivations.....one where i'm an ass...and one where i attempt to be encouraging......whichever u use i hope it helps...cuz some dudes work harder when people try to discourage them, and some try harder when they're encouraged....also, both "motivations" are true ...and how i really feel...sorry dude.. 🙁




first...where i'm an ass (don't read if u might get hurt...cuz i don't normally diss people, and i hate getting dissed):

algebra's freakin childsplay...if you don't know this, your a total fvckin dumbass that don't know shit...c'mon!! alegebra is a joke! i had to finish up linear algebra, vector calculus, differential equations, number theory and all those elementary college courses to take my engineering classes cuz i have to use that crap every day.!! now get your ass in gear and study!! are you stupid or something!??! I mastered algebra when i was in 7th grade!!! i spit the road you walk on damn it!!.... :|





second...where i'm encouraging:

there's lotsa people in you position....i know how you feel...i took classes where i thought the prof didn't make sense @ all...but i kept on listenning and asked questions during his/her office hours or after class, and no matter how dumb the question, he/her was cool about it and helped me out...and reading the book and following the examples helped a lot....you can do it dude.....just remember that when u have a kid, and when ur kid asks help for algebra...u better be prepared :Q 🙂



and if u want to asks questions, it's best if u read the material and ask your professor during her office hours...you get a faster response this way and learn better..

anyways..whichever "motivation" you chose..good lucks man! 😛 🙂 😀