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:

• Read your textbook: Your textbook contains complete explanations with good, worked-out examples for all (or nearly all) topics in class.
• 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.
• Do all homework/in-class practice work to the best of your ability and check your answers whenever possible: Practice is not effective if it is done incorrectly.
• 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.
• Find and watch internet videos on the topic: A general internet search on a topic will always lead to useful information. The video sites YouTube, and Khan Academy are particularly useful. You can learn a lot from watching a 15 minute video, especially when you pause/rewatch sections until you understand.
• Tutoring: There are many options for various levels of math tutoring...
  • Free math teacher tutoring: You can come to the DV math office in C114 before school any day or after school any day except Wednesdays for free math tutoring from math teachers. I can work with you if you come after school (not before school due to teaching zero hour) but other math teachers can work with you before school. If you don't see me in the office, find my desk...I always leave a sign on my desk saying where I am (sometimes, if a lot of students come for tutoring help, we will move to a classroom and the sign on my desk will say where we are working.) No appointment is necessary, just come to the math office.
  • DV Peer Tutoring: Tutoring is available in all subjects in the DV cafeteria before and after school. See the DV Peer Tutoring Website for more information.
  • 1:1 tutoring with other students: Advanced DV math students offer to help other students 1:1 on campus either for free for community service hours or sometimes for a small fee. If you are interested in this option, please email Mr. Felling for a list of DV math student tutors.
  • 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 $25-$65 per hour). Email Mr. Felling 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.