My pep Talk
For those who hate math...
This year could be the year that it all comes together. You have matured and may now be willing to do what it takes to master algebra. That will be the key. Are you dedicated enough to learn the material? Are you willing to practice, practice, practice!
Algebra is a lot like playing the piano. You can watch some play for hours but if your fingers never touch the keys, you will never be able to play. You can watch me work problems and say to yourself. Ok, I get it. But if you do not work the class examples with me and do the homework, you will not know what questions to ask at the next meeting. By the time the test comes, it is too late to learn the whole chapter. You can sit there and say - 'Hey, I never was good at math', or you put your back into learning the material and work for understanding.
Are you a fighter or a quitter?
Is a puny little variable going to stand in the way of you feeling the power of math? Are you going to let a little polynomial beat you? Will you surrender to an exponent? I hope not!! Algebra is a way of thinking. It requires that you think. Thinking is hard work. Are you up to the challenge? This could be the course that changes how you handle complicated problems for the live the rest of your life. Will you walk away from things that are hard, or will you learn to fight? Will you work until the job is done? Or will you just give up? I can help, but I can't do it for you. The fight is yours to win.
For those who like math...
I am so glad to have you in class. I hope to introduce you to lots of new and exciting ideas. Some of them will catch you by surprise and others will just be fun. And yes, you too will have to work hard to get all that I have to offer. I want to help you think about your own thinking. One of the best ways it when you explain an idea to someone else. The process of putting your thoughts into words is one of the best ways to improve your own understanding. If you want to learn how to tutor others, you will have lots of opportunities
There are lots of ways to just look at a problem and see what the answer should look like. I can show you some short cuts and then teach you how to find more your own.
As we go through the course, there will be sections of the book that we skip, you do not have to skip them. You may read through the sections and try to understand what is being taught. Learning to read a math book is very useful and will free you from being dependant on the teacher. My classroom is open for lunch where you can meet with friends to work throught he material or ask me for help. For tips on how to start go to Cuesta Community College at http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/AS/704.htm They have produced an excellent guide for student who wish to begin learning how to read math books.
