My Calculus journey.

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>This is what frustrates me the most about Math and how it is taught in this country.</p>

<p>I went to a very average high school in Texas and the importance of Math was never emphasized while I was in HS. My last course in HS was Pre-Calculus. I remember the teacher being horrible and I think I probably just passed with a C.</p>

<p>I went to college the first time and took Pre-Cal again, once again a horrible class, I think I passed with a C</p>

<p>I was majoring in Econ so Calculus I was a requirement. I took Calc I the first time and dropped. Took it a second time and dropped again, tried a third time and passed with a B. I remember this being the first time I actually enjoyed a Math class.</p>

<p>I went back to Engineering school last year and went straight to Calc II. The first two days of class, I was absolutely clueless. So, I went back to my advisor and she recommended that I retake Calculus I, so I did.</p>

<p>I retook Calculus I and it was absolutely horrible, the TA was bad, the lecturer was horrendous and I ended up with a C-. I was shocked with my final grade because I remember spending entire afternoons at the library studying. </p>

<p>Anyways, after I saw my grade, I thought to myself, there is no way in hell I am going to be able to pass Calc II.</p>

<p>I started Calc II this semester and my midterm average as it stands is a solid B. I have an awesome professor and I enjoy the class most of the time. I am probably spending half of the time I used to spend studying for Calc I and I am doing much better.</p>

<p>I never hated Math but I have a lot of Algebra deficiencies that I don't even know how to address. At this point I feel like I should just try to finish Calc II with a B, then move on to Calc III and Diff Eq and those are all the Math classes I need to take for my major.</p>

<p>I confess that I get really frustrated due to the fact that I try my best but Algebra has always been the most challenging part of my Math journey. Is my experience typical?</p>

2

<p>Take advantage of ratemyprofessor.com when selecting your math courses. Many students submit reviews on the professors they had taken and it allows you to make an educated decision on who your taking. Honestly, it’s the professor that will make or break you.</p>

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<p>This is quite an ignorant statement. Yes, there are good and bad professors and they may make you efforts much easier or much harder, but ultimately you make or break yourself. Take some responsibility for your life.</p>

4

<p>I think it is very difficult to succeed in higher level math/science/engineering courses if your algebra skills are weak. Perhaps ask your adviser whether you would be allowed to register for a college algebra class - not as a prerequisite, just to work on your skills.</p>

5

<p>There’s so much algebra in Calculus it’s insane. I thought people were just exaggerating about how much algebra there really was, but so far I’ve been hit with just about every concept I’ve learned and though I’d never used again.</p>

6

<p>It’s not a lot. Its just that for most of us, its already second nature from the years of manipulating Algebra for a few years in high school compared to students just taking Algebra II by senior year. </p>

<p>My suggestion would be to get an algebra book and work through it. You have to have a good grounding in the basics, ie factors, fractions, negatives, equation equalities. Since you have a B so far in Calc II you should be fine. </p>

<p>Just get a book from your library about Algebra and work through the problems in your spare time. It will help you immensely.</p>

7

<p>“This is quite an ignorant statement. Yes, there are good and bad professors and they may make you efforts much easier or much harder, but ultimately you make or break yourself. Take some responsibility for your life.”
Boneh3ad you have tendency to start arguments on each of these forums and frankly no one likes others who claim to “know it all”. Obviously you have to put an immense effort into your studies but in the end the professor is writing the test. Some make their tests fair while others purposely set their tests so only a handful will get As. Work hard but also do some research on who is teaching your course.</p>

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<p>First, I have never claimed to know it all or acted as if I know it all. In fact, if I don’t know anything about a thread, I don’t participate, and if I only have something to add to part of the original question, I only comment on that part and admit that I don’t have the proper background or level of knowledge to comment on the rest.</p>

<p>Second, I have two goals when I post on these forums: (1) providing impartial advice, and (2) making sure those asking questions here are getting helpful answers. Your answer was in no way helpful and was downright irresponsible. Maybe you didn’t mean it the way you said it, but what you said, word for word, was “it’s the professor that will make or break you”. You said, whether intentionally or not, that it is essentially the professor’s fault whether you pass or fail a class, not your own. That does a disservice to those who come to these boards seeking advice or help, and yes, I am going to call you on that every time. Maybe that is not what you meant, but it is what you said.</p>

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<p>Yes the professor makes the test, and yes some professors are harder than others, and yes some professors are jerks about it. And yes, I even agree that you should use the means at your disposal to research the professors teaching classes and make an informed decision on what you take and with which professor. All that said, it is still your responsibility to learn the material and do your best to adapt to the professor’s style. If the professor is truly unfair or trying to fail everyone, then it won’t just be you with low grades and the curve will save you. If the professor is just hard and you are struggling but some of the class is doing just fine, then that is on you, not the professor.</p>

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<p>boneh3ad was just saying what others we’re thinking. As I read this post, I questioned why OP was continuously dropping and flunking. In all situations the professor was to blame? No. </p>

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You will have absolute hell. Take an algebra course or freshen up your skills in your free time. </p>

<p>I’ve always noticed that algebra divides those who can correctly solve problems in class and the ones that can’t. Learn your algebra. I’ve also notice that in really tough problems, it is not the calculus that makes it difficult.</p>

10

<p>Calculus is the type of course where the teacher’s ability to teach really comes into play. Also the grading policy. DD1 took College Algebra and Baby Calc I,II (Calculus for strategic communications, architects, and the like :D) and found that a good teacher makes all the difference in the world, and also that the grading policy makes a big difference.</p>

<p>In all three classes (two at her school and one in a community college) there was a stunning amount of online homework, counting for 30%. Class participation was 10% and 3 tests at 20% each. Meaning, you do the online homework (hours and hours) and you’re good. Nothing like spending similar hours and hours every week for 10% of the grade, and then putting your fate in a “sudden death” test. </p>

<p>Community college Calculus was also found to be better taught by virtue of the professor actually explaining stuff rather than simply lecturing.</p>