Reaching Lifelong Goals

I just spent some time reading a very informative article on Associated Content about math barriers for Non Trads.   There were some great tips on how to deal with completing a series of Math requirements.   One main point that I really identified with was the concept of pursuing MASTERY…not just completing assignments.   This idea really hit home with me during my struggle this last summer term with Algebra.   Being the typical Non Trad, I set my sights high, expecting an A from this class, just like I received in MTH 020.   Well, my grades came in this week with a solid “B” in MTH 060.   Was I crushed? Yes, but maybe my expectations need to be tempered with a bit of reality as well…Reality is like gravity – IT SUCKS!   Not that I have any real excuses, but I tried to take a full load of Summer Term classes AND Stage Manage a musical at my local ACT community theater!    Bottom line was that I was not as consistent with the homework for my math class.   I did not really MASTER the concepts, and struggled with the formulas and concepts on tests.    Hence, the horrible (to me anyway) B GRADE.

Another important concept was “shopping for the right professor”.   I was lucky to have a caring, entertaining and conscientious teacher.   I am completing my Math requirements at Linn Benton Community College.   I felt it wise to take math in this setting with smaller classes, more personal attention and less stress than Oregon State University would have.   I will be sticking with my new favorite teacher, Tom LePage.    I also found it useful to have a support group of students in the same boat as myself.   (Another great concept I found in this article.)   My “Math Buddies” really helped to motivate me during class and we “competed” with each other on test scores.   I plan to be at the top of our group for Fall Term’s Math 065!

I have not done too much more digging around in the Associated Content website, but if this article is any representation of the quality there, I highly recommend a look around!    The title of the post is Math and the Non Traditional Student:How to get Past the Math Barrier.   We “Non Trads” need all the help we can get in many areas….for me, Math is at the top of this list.