Study Techniques for Mathematics

Your success in your math course depends on how you study. If you follow the following good practices, your success in mathematics will improve. 1. Study outside of class regularly Work on your math homework or study your math every day. Study your math at least 2 hours for each hour in the classroom. For example, a 4 unit class will require at least 8 hours of study per week.

1. Do your math homework first, before your other subjects.

You will be working when your mind is sharpest. If you get stuck on a problem, you can revisit it later. You have time to get help on problems that you have no idea about.

1. Take breaks. After a period of concentration, take a break for relaxation or to work on other subjects. Return to problems that you could not complete previously. 1. Utilize campus resources Math Learning Center: tutors, software, videos, textbooks, study skills Your instructor's office hours Purchase Winning At Math by Paul Nolting in the campus bookstore. 1. Study in a proper environment Quiet. You need to be able to think deeply to learn mathematics. A nosiy environment will create obstacles to your concentration and create distractions to focusing on the problems at hand. You will be able to concentrate better with no people, TVs or music in your environment as distractions. Playing relaxing music in the background can be an aid to concentration, however.

1. Read the textbook. 1. Take good notes in class.

1. Make summary sheets. Make a list of important theorems. Make a list of important properties and formulas. Make a list of important vocabulary words. Make a list of the important course objectives for each unit in the course (usually a section or chapter of the textbook). Review these lists every day.

1. Practice all problems until you have mastered the ability to

solve and check them.

1. Be aware of what topics you know well, which topics need more
practice and which topics you don't know at all.

Well-supplied Have plenty of scratch paper, graph paper, pencils and erasers handy. Colored pencils are also useful. A scientific calculator is also useful. Well-lit: Make sure there is good lighting while reading and studying.

1. Continually review: Review material from the beginning of the

semester throughout the entire semester.

Study groups If you are the type of person who learns well in a social environment, try joining or forming a study group. The Math Learning Center staff can help you in this regard.

Ask your instructor or a tutor about unclear concepts.

Reading a Math Textbook

Many students pay a lot of money for a textbook but don't read it! Before you attempt homework problems, it is important that you carefully read the relevant sections of your math textbook. Study the examples. Note the definitions, properties and formulas. Study the examples. Note the hints from the author. Study the examples! How to read a math textbook: 1. Look at the title of the section and the learning objectives stated at the beginning of the section. 1. Skim the section to be read. 1. Have a highlighter and pencil handy to mark questions and work out missing steps from examples. 1. Put all your concentration into reading. Read in an environment with few distractions. Highlight important material. Pay close attention to material that the textbook author has highlighted with colors or boxes. Remember: reading a math textbook is not like reading a novel, you need to go slowly and often re-read material to understand the ideas being presented. 1. When you get to the examples, go through and understand each step. Often the author does not show every single step in order to save space. If there are missing steps, fill them in yourself. Study the examples carefully, as they will serve as models for homework exercises and test questions. 1. Mark the concepts and words that you do not know. Make a list of these areas of confusion. Look up unknown words in a math dictionary. 1. Make lists of important ideas. On separate sheets of paper, keep lists of definitions theorems formulas Each time you read a section in the math textbook, add something to these lists. Have the lists in front of you as you do your homework. Review these lists daily. 1. If you do not understand the reading material, follow these points until understanding arises: Go back to the previous page and re-read the information to get into the flow of the author's presentation. Read ahead to the next page to see to where the author is leading. Study all graphs, diagrams, charts and examples used to illustrate the concepts. Read misunderstood paragraphs aloud to engage your other sensory organs. Refer to your notes from class on the same material. Refer to another math textbook. You might find explanations and/or examples that make more sense to you. Use videotapes, CDs and website resources to help with your understanding. Define exactly what you do not understand and ask your instructor, a tutor or a classmate. 1. Reflect on what you have read. Relate this reading to the course objectives.

Organize your lecture notes, examples, homework and other course materials. Sorting, classifying and organizing information is important to memorization and academic success in general. Make flash cards to carry around with important information that needs memorization. Look at the flashcards frequently throughout the day.

Memory
Much mathematics is a matter of practicing procedures until they are understood, rather than memorized. However, the learning of mathematics does require some memorization of formulas, definitions and theorems, much like learning a foreign language. Memory involves: registration: inputting the information into your mind retention: keeping the information in your mind recall: accessing the information previously stored Pay attention to all of these aspects of memory as you try to improve in this area.

To memorize a fact, test yourself: Ask yourself the question. For example, "The area of a circle is...?" Then write out the answer, and speak the answer aloud as you write. If your answer is incorrect or if you don't remember, then write out the correct answer 10 times, speaking it aloud as you write. Repeat this process a few times per day until you always get the correct answer. Then practice less frequently. If you are a kinaesthetic learner, then walk around or dance while studying your math. This technique engages your eyes, ears, hands, mouth and body. The more that you use all of your senses, the more your mind will remember. Be aware of what things you know and what you things you don't know. Pay attention to detail. Write your symbols and words carefully and precisely. As you work through the math course, look for patterns. The more patterns you recognize, the less you need to memorize. Make connections between new concepts and processes and properties that you have already learned. Synthezing information and seeing the "big picture" will help you to remember. Explain ideas to other people. Your memory is strengthened when you have to teach someone else. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Here are some suggestions for memorizing your math: Decide that you want to memorize something. Your intention and attention to what needs to be memorized is critical your ability to do so. Study math every day. Memory requires repetition spread out over a long period of time. Studying math only once or twice a week is usually not sufficient to remember much. Make lists: vocabulary, formulas, properties, theorems. Look at these lists every day. Add to each list as you read through your textbook.

Listen for words the signal important information. How good are your listening habits?

1. Write Bring pencils and paper to class and take math notes in pencil, not pen. Always use the same notebook to take note for your math class. Your paper should be 8.5" by 11" in size. Date each notebook entry. Keep your math notes separate from notes from your other courses. Copy down everything that the instructor writes on the board. If the instructor takes the time to write something, it is important. Take notes, even though your understanding may not be complete. Develop a good note-taking system.

Note Taking
When you first enter the classroom, preparing to take notes is essential. By taking careful notes you can: Record how the instructor has explained procedures. Record what examples the instructor has demonstrated. Develop good organizational skills. Record important class information such as homework assignments and test dates.

Below are some tips for effective note-taking: 1. Listen Come to class with a positive attitude; this will help you focus, concentrate and get the most out of the lecture. Sit close to the front of class as possible to improve your concentration and vision. Stay focused on the content of the lecture. Do not be distracted by classmates or daydreams. Relate important points to concepts you already know. Ask the instructor for clarification, if you don't understand.

1. Review Review and reorganize your notes as soon as possible after class. Write clearly and legibly. Rewrite ideas in your own words. Highlight important ideas, examples and issues with colored pens. Review your class notes before the next class period. Ask questions during office hours or the next class period if there are items that are unclear. Review all your notes at least once per week to get a perspective on the course. 1. Reflect Think about what you have written and connect it with other math concepts. Begin to remember definitions, procedures, concepts, theorems and formulas that are in your notes.

Compare your lecture notes to the ideas, explanations and examples in the textbook.

Do math every day.. You will need to work on your math course each day, if only for a half-hour. You must avoid doing all your math homework and studying on one or two days per week. Schedule quality study time throughout the week and stick to your schedule. Study smart.. Read the information on study skills, time management, note-taking and textbook-reading on this website or in one of the math study skills books. The more you try different approaches, the more you will discover what works for you. Attend class. You must attend class to keep up with the fast pace of a college-level math course. You will also get information regarding tests and instructor expectations. You will see examples that are not in the textbook. You are responsible for all information and concepts presented in class, whether you are present or not. Get organized! You need to keep good class notes. You need to keep a good math notebook with lists of vocabulary, properties, formulas, theorems and procedures. Must anxiety is caused by disorganization. Continually test yourself. Be aware of what you know and of what you don't know. Keep practicing the concepts and problems presented in the classroom and in the textbook. Replace negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Having a negative attitude is an obstacle that does not need to prevent you from succeeding. Be mindful of what you are saying to yourself. Develop positive affirmations such as "I will succeed in this course!" or "I love math!" to counteract any negative feelings you may have about your abilities or about math itself. Utilize all your resources. The Math Learning Center, videotapes, textbook, friends, study groups, your instructor, the internet....all are available to help you succeed. Only you can take advantage of them, however.

Overcoming Math Anxiety

Do you feel nervous about math? Do you dislike math? Do you have fear of doing math? If so, you are not alone. You may have "math anxiety." Math anxiety is not unusual. You might be experiencing some symptoms of math anxiety such as: negative self-talk lack of motivation to work on math not studying regularly putting off math homework until the last minute panic when doing math homework or tests difficulty remembering math facts relying on memorization rather than understanding

Math anxiety is a condition that you have the power to change, if you so desire. Math anxiety is a learned behavior; you can change it! Here are a few suggestions to help overcome math anxiety:

There are a variety of other proven techniques and activities that will help to to conquer math anxiety. There are a variety of resources that will address these techniques and activities in more detail than is possible here.Talk to your instructor or a tutor in the Math Learning Center about your feelings toward mathematics. Acknowledging your

feelings is the first step in conquering them. Your instructor and tutors can help direct you to good resources and practices that can help you reduce or eliminate the emotional blocks to learning mathematics.

use color to highlight important points in the textbook and lecture notes. use multimeida resources in the MLC (internet, videotapes, CD-ROMs,graphing utilities) study in a quiet place with little noise and conversation. visualize information as a picture to aid memorization.

1. Auditory Learners: These people learn best through hearing and benefit from oral lectures, discussions and listening to
others. interpreting the underlying meaning in tone of voice, pitch and rate of speech. are sensitive to unclarity of speech. Tutoring advice for auditory learners: work in a study group. create musical jingles to aid memorization. discuss and explain math concepts to others. read the textbook aloud.

1. Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners: These people learn best through

moving, doing and touching and prefer a hands-on, exploratory approach. like to manipulate objects. may find it difficult to sit still for long periods. Tutoring advice for tactile/kinesthetic learners: take frequent study breaks. move around or stand up while studying. use bright colors to highlight important points. listen to relaxing music while studying.

Learning Styles
Different people learn differently. As a student you should be aware of your own learning style. There is a good computer program in the Math Learning Center that can help you to assess your own learning style. See a MLC staff member for assistance. Types of learning styles 1. Visual Learners: These people learn best through seeing and like to view diagrams, charts, videos, pictures, and examples. pay attention to body language, and facial expressions of tutors. Tutoring advice for visual learners: draw diagrams or sketches when setting up math problems.

The KWL Strategy (adapted from Mission Reading instructor Aaron Malchow) K: What we Know already. W: What we Want to find out. L: What we Learned from the reading. Before Reading

Identify what the specific topic is that you are going to read about. In a math textbook, the objectives are usually stated at the beginning of each section. Write down 5 to 9 things that you already know about those specific topics. Write down 5 to 9 questions about what you want to know about those specific topics from the section you are about to read.

After Reading Write down 5 to 9 ideas that you learned from reading the section. In your own words, describe what you learned. Make reference lists to use when doing homework exercises and to study for exams. You can clarify your lists with examples. Make a list of definitions. Make a list of properties. Make a list of formulas. Make a list of theorems. Compare and contrast what you learned to what you knew and what you wanted to learn.

Math Tests
Your math instructor will be assessing your knowledge in a variety of ways. You can help yourself become more successful in your math course by thinking carefully about different aspects of these assessments: develop skill in taking math tests. Success on tests is not just a matter of knowing the material or good luck. Please look at the following topics regarding math tests. Preparing for a Math Test Your success on a math test can be maximized by proper preparation. 1. Practice good study techniques throughout the semester. Read the section on study techniques for mathematics. 1. Begin studying for the test at least one week ahead of time. 1. Work out all practice tests in the textbook and those given by your instructor. 1. Review your study lists. 1. Find out from your instructor: on which topics or objectives you will be tested. what materials are needed for the test: calculators, rulers, etc. what materials are prohibited from the tests: calculators, cell-phones, etc. 1. Prepare yourself physically Get proper exercise weekly. Eat properly prior to the test. Avoid overeating just before the test. Eat a good breakfast and/or lunch before the test. Do not drink too much before the test: you do not want to have to use the restroom during the test. Avoid too much caffeinated beverages before the test; this may cause nervousness. Do not use alcohol or recreational drugs before the test. These will impair your concentration and brain functioning.

If you are taking prescribed medications, be aware of their effects on your concentration and thinking. Adjust your intellectual activity accordingly. Get a good night sleep before the test. Staying up late cramming is not productive and can reduce your mental sharpness. 1. Read the section on doing well on a math test so you know what to do once the test has started. 1. Do not study the day of the test. Relax and be confident that you have done your best to prepare. Additional studying will only make you more nervous and reduced your confidence. Before the test, take a nice walk around the campus and think positive thoughts. Doing Well On A Math Test Being successful in taking a math test is not just a matter of studying. There are many factors that that affect a person's ability to do well on a math test.

First, prepare for the test properly. Look at Preparing for a Math Test for helpful hints. In order to minimize mistakes on a test, look at six types of testtaking errors to avoid and how to prevent them. Bring all necessary materials to the test: At least 2 sharp pencils. Good eraser. Scientific calculator, if allowed. Ruler (or straight edge) and compass, if needed. Turn off cell phones during the exam. Look over the test for length and difficulty of problems. Determine the average time to devote to each problem. Manage time during the test Limit the time spent on each problem. Know how much time is left until the end of the test. Work on the easiest problems first. Do a "data dump:" Write down all formulas and important ideas when you first get the test, while your memory is fresh and so you can refer to them during the test. Read all directions carefully. Follow the directions. Show all steps of your work on the test. You can get often get partial credit for solving part of a problem correctly. Check your work!

Are your answers accurate? Did you complete the problem? Did you answer all the questions? Do not leave the test room early! Use the extra time to check your work again if you finish early. Relax. If you feel anxious or frustrated during the test: Stop working, put down your pencil, close your eyes. Take slow, deep breaths. Think positively and remove all negative thoughts. Open your eyes and get back to work.

Identify subject matter that you know well and topics that need more practice. Rework incorrect problems on previous exams. Do addition practice problems in areas in which you are weak. See a tutor in the MLC if you need clarification or assistance with a problem.

The Final Exam

The final exam in your mathematics course is an important milestone on your journey through the mathematics curriculum. The final exam is a good opportunity for you to synthesize the topics, processes, techniques and vocabulary you learned in the course. You can get an overview of what you have done and see the relationships among the different topics and see how these are related to your previous math courses. You can also anticipate what may arise in your next math course. Therefore, studying for the final exam is a great academic pursuit, a great learning opportunity, and a great chance to move your mind to a new level of understanding. Tips for studying for your math final If you develop good study habits throughout the semester, then studying for a final exam is mostly a matter of review. Review your previous tests. Review your class notes. Review your homework exercises. Review the summary sheets that you have made. Review the highlights in the textbook. Begin studying for your math final exam at least two weeks before the exam. Get all your tests, notes, homework, etc. in order. Schedule times each day to review the course material. Free your schedule from other responsibilities as much as this is possible. Do not cram! If you wait until the last minute to study for a final exam, your studying will not be effective in addressing an entire semester's worth of mathematics.

Take care of your physical health: You want to be in good health when you take your final exam. Get a proper amount of sleep: staying up too late to study may just wear you down. Get proper physical exercise. Eat properly Eat a balanced diet. Avoid over-eating: you don't want to feel sluggish while study for or taking your final. Avoid under-eating: you need energy to study and think clearly. Avoid excessive amounts of sugar and other junk foods. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol or other drugs that will impair your capacity to think clearly. Take care of your mental health: Final exam time can be stressful, if you don't take care. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause stress. Get enough exercise: physical exercise can relieve and prevent mental stress. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, visualization, music. Take relaxing study breaks. Incorporate some recreational activities into your schedule; have some fun!

If you find yourself getting stressed-out, talk to a friend or a counsellor

Final Exam Week

Five common mistakes and how to avoid them Mistake #1: Cramming (staying up all night to study, or trying to study one subject for too many hours in a row) How this is a problem: Think of it this way. Would you expect someone to prepare to run a marathon by staying up all night the night before and running for hours and hours? Of course not. In the same way, if you cram for hours and hours, your brain will get tired and you will not remember all of the information that you studied very well. You will be trying to make yourself perform optimally on a test when you are mentally exhausted. Solutions: Break your study times up into smaller amounts of time (study up to one hour before you take some kind of a break - but no longer). Vary your studying by reviewing one subject for an hour or so, then taking a break and switching to another subject. This will keep you from getting burned out on one topic. Vary your study methods. This means study by reading, looking over your notes, reviewing the subject with another student in the class, using note cards, and making new notes about the material. This will help you maintain a higher level of energy and concentration. Again, remember that you shouldn't try to do all of these in a row - pace yourself by taking breaks and getting some rest in between study sessions. Mistake #2: Assuming that you know the material very well when you only have a superficial understanding of it. How this is a problem: It is tempting to look over your notes, skim through your textbook, and review your assignments and get the feeling that you know the material well enough to take a test on it, even though your knowledge may not be specific enough to help you out on the actual test questions. Students who fall into this trap often get to the test time and realize that they are far more unprepared than they thought. Solutions: Find a way to test yourself on the material before the actual test time. For example, you might want to invent test questions and answer them, apply your knowledge to a new situation or example, or have a friend quiz you on the information. Writing down information in your own words is also a good way to test for understanding. If you can't write a definition, a theory, etc... in your own words, you probably don't know it well enough to answer questions about it on a test.

Mistake #3: Trying to be a "superhuman" student during finals week. How this is a problem: Some students miss class during the semester, neglect reading assignments, or in other ways put themselves in a situation where they have to become a "superhuman" student in order to do well on a final exam. Basically, by not doing what they were supposed to do during the semester, they are making it impossible to study productively during final exam week, because they have too much information to cover in too short a time period. Solutions: During the semester before the final exam, keep up with your work, go to class regularly, and spend at least some time every week reviewing what you are learning (even if you only spend 15 minutes a week reviewing for each class). This will put you in a much better position to review for your finals. Keep in mind that, in most cases, as you are studying for your finals you are not supposed to be learning the information for the first time. You are supposed to be reviewing what you have already learned in class and from your assignments during the semester. Make sure that you are in a position where you are reviewing - not learning for the first time.

Mistake #4: Using study time unproductively. How this is a problem: Many students have good intentions of studying hard over finals week, but they make the mistake of using their study time unproductively. For example, have you ever sat in the library and read through a chapter, then realized that you didn't understand anything that you read? Or have you ever gotten together a study group for a class, then spent half the time talking about the latest episode of "The X Files"? Sometimes students don't realize how much time they are wasting by not paying attention to whether or not they are actually getting anything out of their study time. Solutions: As you are studying, check at least once every half an hour to see if you are staying on track and understanding what you are reviewing. If you aren't, you need to change something about what you are doing. For example, if you are reviewing your notes for a final and you don't understand them very well, you might want to get together with someone from the class and talk through the material. You may also want to talk to your professor about the questions that you have. Make sure that you pay attention to your level of concentration when you study. When you feel that your mind is wandering or that you are too tired to really concentrate, don't try to push yourself into continuing to study. Take a break and then continue when you are able to be productive again. Studying for hours after your brain has stopped absorbing material is a waste of time. Mistake #5: Putting your health aside in order to study more intensively. How this is a problem: Some students put aside getting enough sleep, eating properly, and in general taking care of their health because they feel that every minute needs to be focused on studying for their finals. However, it is unlikely that you will perform very well on your final exams if you are a wreck physically. You will be able to concentrate better and remember more information if you are physically in good shape. Solutions: Get at least some sleep the night before your exam. Even if you only sleep for four or five hours, this will give your brain a chance to rest and recharge itself. Remember to eat breakfast before your exam, and remember to eat at least some healthy foods during finals week in general. Your brain will function better if you aren't having blood sugar problems from eating poorly.

Time Management

In order to be successful in your math course, you will need to attend class and study at least 2 hours per week outside of class for each hour in class. Let's do the math: If you are taking a 5-unit math class, then you will need to spend 5 + 2 x 5 = 15 hours per week on your math. This is a minimum amount of time if you want to learn the material and pass the course. There are 7 x 24 = 168 hours in each week. If you sleep 8 x 7 = 56 hours per week; eat 3 x 7 =21 hours per week, that leaves 91 hours left. Do you have a job? Subtract those hours from the 91. Do you go shopping, take showers, have other social obligations or are taking other classes? Subtract those hours as well. Seven Suggestions for Effectively Managing Your Time 1. Get organized! Use time saving tools: appointment calendars, "to do" lists, e-mail, answering machines, file folders, etc. Have an organized workplace (don't waste time constantly looking for your work). Use your appointment calendar for everything, including listing study time. Use "to do" lists for both long-term and for each day/week. 2. Plan Ahead (Schedule it and it will happen!) Determine how long your tasks will take (do this before agreeing to take on a task!) Consider whether any activities can be combined. Determine if big tasks can be broken down into smaller tasks that may be easier to schedule (such as studying for exams and visiting the library as part of an assignment to write a term paper). 1. Prioritize Your Tasks Use an A-B-C rating system for items on your "to do" lists with A items being highest priority. Set goals for both the short term and long term as to what you want to accomplish. Look at all of your "to do"s to gauge the time requirement and whether additional resources will be needed to accomplish them (if yes, schedule time to obtain those resources). Don't postpone the small tasks (a sense of accomplishment is good and overlooked small tasks can become larger tasks.)

Somehow, you need to fit in your 15 hours for math into your week. Therefore, developing and using good time-management techniques is essential.

Goals of Time Management To be able to have control over your life manage your time, don't let it manage you! To be healthier and happier (less stress). There are numerous books devoted to the topic of time management. Some suggested resources appear at the end of this discussion. In the meantime, wise students will do the following to help manage their time as a student:

1. Avoid Overload Include time for rest, relaxation, sleep, eating, exercise, and socializing in your schedule. Take short breaks during study and work periods. Don't put everything off until the last minute (for example, don't cram for exams). Learn to say "no" when appropriate and to negotiate better deadlines when appropriate.

Know what is important to you. (What do you value most?) Have a positive attitude!
http://salsa.missioncollege.org

1. Practice Effective Study Techniques Have an appropriate study environment. Split large tasks into more manageable tasks. Read for comprehension, rather than just to get to the end of the chapter. Be prepared to ask questions as they come up during study, rather than waiting until just before an exam. Do the most difficult work first, perhaps breaking it up with some easier tasks. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your projects. Read the syllabus as soon as you get it and note all due dates (and "milestone" times) on your calendar. Be a model student! (be attentive and participative in class, and punctual, prepared, and eager to learn) 1. Be Able to be Flexible The unexpected happens (sickness, car troubles, etc.); you need to be able to fit it into your schedule. Know how to rearrange your schedule when necessary (so it doesn't manage you - you manage it). Know who to ask for help when needed. Have a Vision (why are you doing all of this?) Don't forget the "big picture" - why are you doing the task is it important to your long-term personal goals? Have and follow a personal mission statement (personal and career). (Are your activities ultimately helping you achieve your goals?)

assistance.

High School vs. College!

If you have not attended college before, there are a number of differences between the high school and college environments. There are also differences regarding what is expected of you as a student. HIGH SCHOOL A school for children becoming adults and learning to be responsible. Students are treated as children who need help. Students must attend school. Class attendance is enforced by administration. High school is free. Other people structure your time. Parents and teachers guide student decisions. Homework is collected and graded. Homework is a significant part of one's grade. Teachers closely monitor attendance. Teachers remind you about turning in work. Teachers will approach students who may have difficulties. COLLEGE A school for responsible adults.

Teachers may not be available outside of the classroom. Teachers make sure you take tests. Class preparation is minimal. Homework is minimal.

Instructors are available during scheduled office hours. Showing up for tests is the sole responsibility of the student. Preparing for class requires a lot of time. Doing homework requires 2 to 3 hours per 1 hour of class time per week. Students are self-directed in studying. There is usually not much time to review material in class. Tests are infrequent and cover a large amount of material. Effort is necessary to learn, but is not directly graded. Passing a course depends on test performance. Mastering the material in math is necessary for success in the next math course.

Students are treated as adult independent learners. Taking a college class is voluntary. Class attendance is expected, but is the responsibility of each student. College costs a lot of money! Students are responsible for their own time. Students are responsible for their own choices. Homework often neither collected nor graded. The purpose of homework is to learn and practice. Attendance is the responsibility of the student. Work deadlines are responsibility of the student. Students must approach instructors if they want or need

Teachers guide study. Teachers have time to review material. Tests are frequent and cover one chapter. A student's effort is part of the grade. A student may pass the class merely by attending every day. Mastering the material in math is necessary for success in the next math course.

It is assumed that college students voluntarily choose to pay for and take a course and will therefore make the required effort to be successful. College students will, when needed, take the initiative to seek assistance from their instructors, the Math Learning Center and their fellow students. College students behave like adults in the classroom by arriving on time, by being considerate of their classmates, by not being disruptive and by participating in discussions. College students attend all their classes, do homework in a timely manner and come to class on time and well-prepared.

"I believe it is prompt accountability for one's choices, a willing acceptance of responsibility of one's thoughts, behavior, and actions that make the soul powerful."