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Spring 2021 - MAC1147

Class' Notes (Click here for access)

Welcome!!
You can find the syllabus on Canvas. You will use Rational Reasoning (RR) on almost daily basis. RR contains your pre-class assignments (due before each class, yes even before our first class).
You can find the class schedule (with all the due dates) on the syllabus or in RR. Keep track of the due dates! It is your responsibility to submit all the assignments on time (it's my responsibility to grade them in timely matter). No extensions will be given.
Send me an email if you have any question but make sure to start the email with your name, class and the class' section.

Advice from former students:

I actually had a rocky start in the class at first (I was failing) because I didn’t know how to properly study for the course. Some of the resources such as the rational reasoning videos we good, but they weren’t sufficient enough to help me pass the tests on just them alone. So I started using YouTube (best friend!) as well as using the homework section that’s at the end of each module in the workbook for practice problems. Also, professor Z was extremely helpful and accommodating. There were a few times that I had some questions on a lesson and I asked if he would hop on a zoom call with me to clarify and he did. Finally, take advantage of as many reassessments as possible; the reason I was failing in the beginning, in addition to not adequately studying, is because I wasn’t attending them.
Brittney Bailey
Doing every assignment on time, along with asking questions when confused. After each homework assignment I would write out the problems I had trouble on in the same space to be able to study afterwards. When stuck consult the math labs, I asked them plenty of questions until I fully understood what to do. Another thing that helped me a lot was pacing myself. I would divide up the questions of the online homework ahead of time, in order to give myself time to try and see what I did and did not understand. Waiting until the last minute is never a good idea. Take into account the announcements as well to give yourself an adequate amount of time to study. Lastly, attend the review sessions they're only an hour and you can pick which time between Monday or Tuesday is better for you. They help a lot, and in the event you do not pass more than 2 learning goals you have a chance with the reassessments.
Ed
Rewatch lectures and review the practice problems from class! Just ask questions when you’re unsure about certain topics.
Alex C.
I would advise to please pay attention in lecture, I understand it may be tough or you may be tired but please pay attention and write down good notes. It helps immensely in the long run. Also please write down any important formulas that pertain to that lecture. Another thing that helped me alot was rewatching the lectures of the learning goals that are going to be tested. I would do extra problem questions to make sure I knew what to do.
Nathalie
Use the online powerpoints when you log into your rational reasoning account. They give you tons of examples to work through and will give you the steps and the answers at the end. Do your math lab hours! It not only helps your grade but you can set aside time to get your homework done rather than waiting til the weekend to do it.
Katie K.
It is very important to understand that Math is about practice and dedication. It is not hard, its just a matter of practice. To get an A in this class the resource that i used the most was the online practice problems, where you can try multiple problems to develop the critical thinking necessary to be successful. Use the online practice problems, watch the videos, don’t let the material pile up, but rather keep practicing the subjects every day. In College Algebra and now Precalculus & Trig it is possible to see that to get an A, one of the most important resource for me was the practice problems provided by the professor , available online. Do them until you master it. Use the book for the concepts when necessary, ask questions on the math lab , but most importantly, practice by yourself the questions the professor provides on the Online Homework (And all forms of homeworks) until you master it! Practice , practice , practice... Always make sure to go over your assessments (exams) again , to check for your mistakes and learn from them. My perspective with math now is: its not worth to know only the material partially. It is important to really master it to be able to be comfortable, and putting the time to learn math as a whole, helped me to develop my skills in my science major.
Victor Hugo S.
Don’t be intimidated by how much is demanded of you. Understand that everything will help you.
Samantha Ramer
This isn’t your typical math class, this is an Active Learning course, which means it’s basically self-taught. There is no lecture, no notes, sometimes worksheets, and the workbook only has practice problems with some key concepts to understand the questions. Use outside resources such as Khan Academy, tutoring offered at FIU, or even youtube videos. Take advantage of the re-assessment opportunities and review the assessments to prepare for the final.
M.H
In order to pass the class, you have to apply yourself and use the resources available to you! The math lab contributed to most of my success in the class. If you aren’t understanding the pre-class assignments or homework, go to the math lab and they will explain the concepts to you. You have to study. The best way to study for this class is to do practice problems or review the homework and go over the steps it took to get your answer. Just going to class isn’t going to get you an A. You have to apply yourself outside of class as well.
KW
It’s important to show up to every class and do all the assignments; including written homework, online homework, preclass assignments, in class work, etc. Don’t only aim for completing the 60 percent needed to pass, do it all; and if you don’t understand something, go to office hours or look up online videos. Also, if you don’t pass a learning goal, reassess on it right away, don’t wait until the last minute. This class isn’t hard if you do all the work.
Anonymous
Doing the homework will help you grasp many of the topics taught in class. If you are able to take a reassessment make sure to go over the mistakes you made and understand how to solve the problem before going in to your reassessment. Having a study group and going to the Professors office hours will benefit you greatly! All these methods helped me to achieve an A!
Ashley P.