Assignment (due Thursday, December 12). Imagine that you are invited to speak on the first day of MAT 2071, to give advice to entering students. Write at least three sentences responding to at least one of the following, describing what you would tell them.
- What do you wish that you had been told at the start of this class, to help you succeed?
- Choose one topic in the course that is especially challenging. Identify it, and give advice to students trying to master that topic.
- What is the most important prior knowledge (not taught in the class) that you need in order to succeed? Why is it important?
Extra Credit. Respond to someone else’s comment. Do you agree? disagree? Have anything to add?
Choose one topic in the course that is especially challenging. Identify it, and give advice to students trying to master that topic.
At the beginning of the MAT 2071 course, most of the topics that are introduced are relatively easier to understand. Once the course begins to progress into proofs, the class becomes much more challenging. More specifically, inductive proofs are one of the more difficult proofs. These proofs are not as straightforward as direct, contrapositive, or contradiction proofs. To ensure that one does not become intimidated by their difficulty, it is important to practice doing inductive proof problems (especially homework problems that are assigned). Additionally, do not hesitate to ask questions when you are feeling lost; office hours with Professor Reitz helps a lot!
What is the most important prior knowledge (not taught in the class) that you need in order to succeed? Why is it important?
The most important thing to know in order to succeed is to not be afraid to ask questions. As Youshmanie stated above, once proofs begin to be introduced to the class it gets harder. DO NOT be afraid to ask questions. You might think, oh I can just figure this out later. Nope. If you go home and just look at the homework problems assigned without understanding what was taught in class you will most likely be lost. And from there it’s a deep hole to come out of because every topic builds upon the next. So ask questions and make sure you understand the material at the end of every class. Other than that you should be fine 😀
I agree Randy, asking questions during class is extremely important! If you’re lost on a topic, homework problems can seem overwhelming.
I agree ask a lot of questions if you don’t understand. If you don’t it’s gonna be a long stressful 3-4 months.
3. What is the most important prior knowledge (not taught in the class) that you need in order to succeed? Why is it important?
You need to be able to be responsible enough to read the textbook. It gives plenty of examples and even more practice problems. The Prof can’t go over everything so it’s up to you to pick up the lack and choose to succeed.
What is the most important prior knowledge (not taught in the class) that you need in order to succeed? Why is it important?
The most important prior knowledge that you need to succeed is to do the practice on your own. Most students follow the steps by looking at or listening to Prof work in classes. However, you may forget the steps if you do not do the practice. It is why most teachers assign homework to students to work at home. Also, professors can’t teach all the examples in classes; the practice can help students have a deeper understanding of topics.
I will respond to 3. What is the most important prior knowledge that you need in order to succeed. The most important prior knowledge you need is to read the textbook. It goes into more detail than the class. The professor can’t cover everything so it is very important that you thoroughly read the textbook. You don’t have to do every problem on the book, but you should do a good amount of them.