Can a Student Learn an Entire Math Course in 4 Weeks and Achieve a 75% Grade?

  • Thread starter Thread starter accesskb
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a student completing a grade 12 Algebra and Geometry course in four weeks to achieve a minimum grade of 75%. Participants explore study strategies, the importance of understanding concepts versus memorization, and the potential for success given the student's background and time constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that with focus and dedication, it is possible to complete the course and achieve the desired grade.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of understanding concepts over mere memorization, arguing that this approach will facilitate easier recall of formulas.
  • Another participant recommends creating a list of material to cover and practicing extensively to reinforce learning.
  • Some participants advocate for the use of tutors and study aids, such as crib sheets or cue cards, to aid in the learning process.
  • There is a suggestion that reading proofs and understanding the derivation of formulas can enhance retention and problem-solving abilities.
  • One participant expresses confidence that practice is more critical than memorization in mastering math content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that understanding concepts is crucial, but there are differing opinions on the best study methods and the necessity of memorization. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal approach to studying within the limited timeframe.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in the student's ability to succeed, with some emphasizing the importance of practice and others focusing on understanding concepts. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of different study strategies or the student's potential for success.

accesskb
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I am a 19 year old student from Canada. I have been given a conditional admission to an Architecture program at a local university. The problem is I need to complete the grade 12 (pre-university) Algebra and Geometry course, with a grade of 75+ in about 4 weeks. As you know may know, all secondary schools are currently closed for summer holidays, so the only course available for me to take is the pre-university course offered by the university. It's a distance education course where I have to go through the course myself without any teacher's help and sit to write one exam in the end that's worth 100% of the mark. I have never been good at math and haven't done any math for half a year now.
Do you all think it's actually possible to finish an entire course in a month and get 75+? I'd be very greatful if you could give me some advice as to how to study all the material. I just took a look at the text I received and there seems to be so much formulas to remember. So, should I study chapter by chapter and do all problems? or should I just read through the book to get an idea first, memorize the formulas before attempting the problems?
Please help me ... :( I'm scared to death that I may be denied admission. Appreciate all your kind help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes you can do it. You need to learn how to focus your mind upon the task at hand. After every problem, ask yourself what could have gone wrong, what silly mistakes could you have made which you'll regreat later? Find them, if any and correct them. I suggest doing twice or even three times the assigned material so you'll find the exam a breeze. Best of luck.
 
Don't worry too much about memorization. If you understand concepts memorization should be easy. You may need to remember a few formulas, but analize the material to determine which are important and which are either unimportant or obvious. Four weeks is a long time, even though others spend 2 years on this material you have several advantages you will need to use singular focus, specific goals, and efficient approch. Make a list of all the material. Learn all of it. Understand it. Practice practice practice.
 
accesskb said:
Hi,
I just took a look at the text I received and there seems to be so much formulas to remember. So, should I study chapter by chapter and do all problems? or should I just read through the book to get an idea first, memorize the formulas before attempting the problems?

It will probably be helpful to you to not just "memorize the formulas". That's the way I used to study for math in the beginning of high school, and I hated it. If you take the time to read the proofs and understand where all these formulas are coming from you'll be much more likely to remember all of the important ideas because they will make sense to you. You will also be able to solve more problems. For example, if the book gives you a procedure to find "a" given "b", and on the test they ask for "b" given "a", you'll be stuck if you just remember a mechanical procedure, but you'll have a much better chance of figuring it out if you understand the reasoning. And finally, you may actually find that you enjoy it.
 
try to find a tutor. and always write a crib sheet...this way you have all the formulas(or attmpt to) on one or two sheets(so you don't have to flip thorugh so much)...cue cards may be of value if you have that type of studying habit...read the later chapters just to see the ideas that you may be looking at but always do all the questions till your comfortable then move on.
 
Maths doesn't need memorization as much as it needs practice...I'm sure u won't find any difficulties, it's something u certainly can do...
 

Similar threads

My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Other How Can Parents and Teachers Identify a Student's Potential for a Maths Degree?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Uncertainty in pursuing Engineering
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
8K
Admissions Will poor grades later in my degree affect my chances of doing a PhD?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Self Learning Math/Physics
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
3K
Admissions Can I change my major from "physical geography" to "math"?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K