What to do if you are struggling or behind due to absences...
Try not to miss class, and try to catch up to the class as quickly as possible. When you aren't caught up to the class, it makes it difficult to understand what is going on, so even though you're in class, you aren't getting the maximum benefit from attending. As soon as you realize you are behind, try to catch up as quickly as possible.
Things you can do at home to improve your understanding:
- Watch the lesson videos: Sometimes hearing the explanation again can make things 'click'.
- Look at the filled-in notes on this website: You can see the lecture notes and worked examples in the filled-in notes pdf document for the chapter.
- Use the practice packets to full effect:
- Do all of the required practice packets and check your answers with the posted answers online.
- If you are unable to do a problem, or get the wrong answer, take a look at the extra practice and find the matching problem (or problems) for the problem number you couldn't do. The extra practice shows fully worked solutions...
- ...then try the extra practice problem on your own, and check your work against the full solution posted.
- ...then go back and try again to work the required practice problem.
- If you are consistently scoring lower than you'd like on the unit tests, consider always doing all of the problems in both the required and extra practice - just getting twice as much practice helps you to know more quickly how to start problems and results in quicker and smoother work!
- Ask your friends in class to explain ideas to you: Your friends are a great resource and can sometimes explain things more plainly than a teacher would explain.
- Tutoring: There are many options for various levels of math tutoring...
- Free math teacher tutoring: You can get tutoring from me in C105 before or after school any school day except after school Wednedsdays. No appointment is necessary, just come to the classroom for help! Im the rare case when I have a meeting and can't tutor you can also get help from Mr. Cook in C160.
- Professional tutoring: If you are feeling extremely far behind and/or other tutoring options will not work for you, we maintain a list of professional tutors who can work with you at home (or the library, Starbucks, etc.) This option is very effective, but is expensive (typically $40-$65 per hour). Email me if you want a list of professional tutors you can contact.
Most important: If you are not understanding, don't wait to get help. Find a way to improve your understanding as soon as possible by using the above ideas.
Semester 1 Final Exam Review (FRQ and MCQ)
