Queston about college-level coursework

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, particularly in mathematics, when transitioning from high school to college-level coursework. Participants explore the differences in curriculum difficulty, the availability of support services, and the requirements for mathematics in various degree programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the advancement of college general education compared to high school, particularly in relation to their learning disability in mathematics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own learning in college, noting that professors may not provide thorough teaching.
  • Some participants mention that most universities require at least one college-level mathematics course as part of the general education requirements.
  • There are assertions that universities provide various support services for students with disabilities, including accommodations for testing and note-taking.
  • Concerns are raised about whether advanced mathematics can be omitted for students not majoring in math-heavy subjects.
  • Participants express uncertainty about what constitutes "extremely advanced-level mathematics" and how it varies by individual perspective.
  • One participant shares their experience with ADHD and the lack of awareness regarding available assistance from their school.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of mathematics in STEM fields, with some participants noting that calculus is often required.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the necessity of mathematics in college courses, the availability of support services, and the responsibilities of students in their learning. The discussion remains unresolved on whether advanced mathematics can be omitted based on individual circumstances.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the variability in support services offered by universities and the differing perceptions of what constitutes advanced mathematics. There is also mention of the general education requirements that may not accommodate individual learning disabilities.

  • #31
FishmanGeertz said:
Is it true that if you don't attend a big university, you're pretty much dead in the water in terms of finding a stable, decent-paying job or career?
Only if you have a narrow minded view of what a "stable decent-paying job or career" is.

The basic qualifications are being human (which fails a surprisingly high percentage of species homo sapiens) and not taking the attitude that the world owes you a living.
 
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  • #32
AlephZero said:
Only if you have a narrow minded view of what a "stable decent-paying job or career" is.

The basic qualifications are being human (which fails a surprisingly high percentage of species homo sapiens) and not taking the attitude that the world owes you a living.

I know people who recently graduated from universities, and move back home to live with mom and dad because they are utterly unable to find work. One of which graduated from Dartmouth.

My father worked for an oil drilling company in Texas, and one of his friends there dropped out of high school, got a small job with the company, and eventually got promoted to a position where he makes $250,000+ per year. And he never even finished high school!

All I hear about today are college graduates (even ivy-leaguers) being unable to find work. The poor economy might play a significant role in that. This might change if the (economy) hopefully improves over the next few years.
 
  • #33
FishmanGeertz said:
All I hear about today are college graduates (even ivy-leaguers) being unable to find work. The poor economy might play a significant role in that. This might change if the (economy) hopefully improves over the next few years.

One of the reasons of getting an education is so that you have some degree of control over your future. If the problem is the bad economy, then you are in better shape of you learn some economics so that you can see what's coming and do something about it.

Also, learning history is useful. What I've had to go through is nowhere near as bad as anything my parents or great parents had to go through so having a sense of history let's you put your own problems in perspective.
 

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