Unjust Midterm Pass: No Math Class in 3 Weeks

[franznietzsche]

I have not gone to my math class in 3 weeks. Just got out of the midterm, professor handed out answer sheets. I passed with flying colors. This should not be possible. Between this midterm and the last one i have not gone to class once, and i spent about an hour reviewing last night. Really really irked right now about this.

 

[DaveC426913]

Can you give us a little more context? Maybe you're just brilliant?

 

[franznietzsche]

Can you give us a little more context? Maybe you're just brilliant?

Its 3rd quarter calculus (the last third of first year calc), same book i used last year in high school (my math teacher actually picked it cause her kids go to this uni and it is a good book), although one of the chapters we didn't cover last year.

Largely I'm annoyed at how the school awards credit for IB tests, because this is the second math class in a row that is a complete repeat for me. This one just happens to not collect homework, so i never have a reason to go to class.

As much as i like to think I'm brilliant, I'm not brilliant enough to absorb 3 new chapters of amterial in an hour and pass.

 

[Moonbear]

Okay, two things that I don't understand. 1) You said it's first year calc, but then refer to it being the second math class in a row that is a repeat for you...what math class would you take before first-year calc in college?
2) If you already covered the material in high school, then that explains why you don't need to study in college (and very good that you've been able to retain the information after high school). But, were you not given any option to place out of first year calc if you've already covered it in high school? When I was in college (yeah, franz, back in the dark ages, I know), I placed out of several of my first year classes based on my AP exam scores, and placed into advanced levels of several other classes (they didn't call anything "honors" courses, but that's essentially what they were) based on my college placement test scores. This was great because it got me out of those huge freshman lectures and into smaller classes where the profs actually knew who we were.

I'm also a bit curious why first year calc is stretched out over 3 quarters. Though the whole quarter system still boggles me (we have a quarter system where I am now and I'm not overly fond of the way it breaks up the academic year). In a semester system, Calc I is one semester, and Calc II is your second semester, Multivariable is semester I of your sophomore year and Diff Eqs 2nd semester sophomore year (if you needed it for your major), then you go off and take all your advanced courses. Is your first year Calc I and II combined, or do you really only cover Calc I over the course of the entire first year? My experience was that Calc II also overlapped a bit with high school calc, but apparently only because I had a really good high school. There was no overlap for most others in the class. But, that was okay, because it gave me about a half semester of review to refresh my memory before getting to the new material.

 

[Artman]

I think you have come across one of the problems with our educational system: in many cases, courses are not geared toward the best in the class, but allowing the mediocre to survive. That is why I always found school so darn boring. Let's go over the obvious until even the morons get it.

You are apparently above that level without working for it.

Was there a curve?

 

[franznietzsche]

Okay, two things that I don't understand. 1) You said it's first year calc, but then refer to it being the second math class in a row that is a repeat for you...what math class would you take before first-year calc in college?

They let me skip 1st quarter calc (Calc I). Calc II was integral calc, that was the other reapeat. Calc 3 is vectors(in 3-d), parametrics, and sequences. Calc 4 is partial derivatives, multiple integrals and vector calc. (none of which will really be new material either, though I've never had it covered in a course).

2) If you already covered the material in high school, then that explains why you don't need to study in college (and very good that you've been able to retain the information after high school). But, were you not given any option to place out of first year calc if you've already covered it in high school?[/QUOTE}

They let you out of Calc I (differential calc) but that's all.

[QUOTE} When I was in college (yeah, franz, back in the dark ages, I know), I placed out of several of my first year classes based on my AP exam scores, and placed into advanced levels of several other classes (they didn't call anything "honors" courses, but that's essentially what they were) based on my college placement test scores. This was great because it got me out of those huge freshman lectures and into smaller classes where the profs actually knew who we were.

I did IB (although i did take AP calc as well as IB math HL, but the IB math HL covered far more, it included AP Calc, and another year of material).

I'm also a bit curious why first year calc is stretched out over 3 quarters. Though the whole quarter system still boggles me (we have a quarter system where I am now and I'm not overly fond of the way it breaks up the academic year). In a semester system, Calc I is one semester, and Calc II is your second semester, Multivariable is semester I of your sophomore year and Diff Eqs 2nd semester sophomore year (if you needed it for your major), then you go off and take all your advanced courses. Is your first year Calc I and II combined, or do you really only cover Calc I over the course of the entire first year? My experience was that Calc II also overlapped a bit with high school calc, but apparently only because I had a really good high school. .

Calc I-III is the normal first year calc. 3 quarters per school year (plus one summer quarter). Calc IV is multi-variable, Then come differential equations, that 5 quarters, a little less than two years.

Everything from the whole first year, Calc I-III is review for me. Like i said, we used the same book in my high school.

 

[Monique]

So, you used the same chapters as last year, except one, and you wonder why you passed without studying? So.. did you think the questions were too simple or do you think you simply mastered the material? And, if you pass with flying colors, does that mean that you had all questions correct, or does that mean that you scored higher than the rest of the class?

 

[franznietzsche]

So, you used the same chapters as last year, except one, and you wonder why you passed without studying? So.. did you think the questions were too simple or do you think you simply mastered the material? And, if you pass with flying colors, does that mean that you had all questions correct, or does that mean that you scored higher than the rest of the class?

No, i don't wonder why i passed, i know why i passed. I'm angry that I'm being forced to waste my time retaking the same material.

I don't know what the rest of the class got.

I missed one question.

 

[Moonbear]

No, i don't wonder why i passed, i know why i passed. I'm angry that I'm being forced to waste my time retaking the same material.

I don't know what the rest of the class got.

I missed one question.

But apparently you're not wasting your time retaking the material, you admitted yourself, you've been skipping class and not spending any time on it at all. If there was mandatory attendance, then you might complain you're wasting your time, but even then, sit in the back and do your homework for another class if you don't need to listen but are required to attend.

Missed one question...out of how many? There's a big difference between 1 out of 6 questions and 1 out of 300 questions.

 

[franznietzsche]

But apparently you're not wasting your time retaking the material, you admitted yourself, you've been skipping class and not spending any time on it at all. If there was mandatory attendance, then you might complain you're wasting your time, but even then, sit in the back and do your homework for another class if you don't need to listen but are required to attend.

Missed one question...out of how many? There's a big difference between 1 out of 6 questions and 1 out of 300 questions.

No, I'm wasting a quarter on this calss when i could be taking the next one in the sequence instead.

One out of ten. In a class where the curve usually adds 10 to 15% percent though.

 

[Monique]

No, I'm wasting a quarter on this calss when i could be taking the next one in the sequence instead.

That'd be annoying. Did you talk to anyone before starting the class, about getting an exemption?

Remember: you're responsible for your own life, don't wait for others to do stuff for you. If you keep that in the back of your mind, you'll be able to get stuff done more efficiently.

 

[franznietzsche]

That'd be annoying. Did you talk to anyone before starting the class, about getting an exemption?

I tried, but i since i was not 100% confident i would pass if i tried to test out, they wouldn't let me (i expected there to be more new material than there was).

At least this is the last quarter i'll be doing this though.

 

[Monique]

Good, I know it can be very demotivating if you don't get challenged. Be critical of things that are handed to you, get to the bottom to make sure things go as would be best.

 

[Moonbear]

Well, the bright side of it is that it's an easy boost to your GPA if you're going to ace 3 quarters of coursework without even trying, and that gives you time to focus on studying harder for your other classes that are not as repetitive, or gives you more time to enjoy partying and being social a little longer before you have to buckle down and give up the fun in order to keep up with the more challenging coursework.

 

[Monique]

Just curious, do you get an ace even when you don't answer all questions correctly?

 

[franznietzsche]

Just curious, do you get an ace even when you don't answer all questions correctly?

Depends on the curve. Like i said the curve is usually about 10-15%, and i missed 1 question out of ten. Technically, its not a perfect score, but I'm not a perfectionist. Well, at least not in these matters.

 

[Monique]

What does that mean, when the curve is 10-15%?

 

[franznietzsche]

What does that mean, when the curve is 10-15%?

if the curve is 10%, then all the scores get 10% added to them basically. So a 90% becomes a hundred, 80 a 90, 70 an 80, and so one.

 

[Monique]

So, the highest score will always be an A?

 

[franznietzsche]

So, the highest score will always be an A?

Yeah, that's the idea. The highest score becomes 100%, and everything is scaled off of that.

 

[the number 42]

I missed one question.

I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you...
Maybe they intend to make you sit this sucker until you do it properly?

 

[franznietzsche]

I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you...
Maybe they intend to make you sit this sucker until you do it properly?

We'll give you the test and see if you 'do it properly'.

 

[the number 42]

We'll give you the test and see if you 'do it properly'.

I'm not the one pretending I'm not a dumb-ass

 

[franznietzsche]

I'm not the one pretending I'm not a dumb-ass

I'm not the one who is a dumb-ass.

 

[the number 42]

Ooooh, of all the nerve. I'll think of a clever response in a minute. Or maybe I'll log on tomorrow, damn you, with a really good one... clever and stuff.

 

[franznietzsche]

Ooooh, of all the nerve. I'll think of a clever response in a minute. Or maybe I'll log on tomorrow, damn you, with a really good one... clever and stuff.

Or not.

 

[the number 42]

Or not.

Just you wait, genius boy I'll have somethin' so darn clever you'll be sh*ting abacus beads for a month.

 

[franznietzsche]

Just you wait, genius boy I'll have somethin' so darn clever you'll be sh*ting abacus beads for a month.

Shouldn't that expletive have two ts in is? Just a thought.

 

[the number 42]

Shouldn't that expletive have two ts in is? Just a thought.

Kind of a pity you weren't taking a spelling test, as its obviously the one thing you excel at Anyway, this isn't my killer response. That will come a bit later. In fact it could come at anytime, from any direction, without warning. (Though probably most likely a post on this thread tomorrow, or the next day. I'll definitely have thought of something by Tuesday or Wednesday. If not, Friday. definitely by Friday. Or Saturday). By the way, how is my spelling doing? Got any grammar-beefs you want to get off your chest? What is this anyway, Sesame Street?

 

[the number 42]

Shouldn't that expletive have two ts in is? Just a thought.

Here's your missing t:

t.

THERE.

 

[franznietzsche]

Here's your missing t:

t.

THERE.

Thank you.

 

[the number 42]

That's very polite. What are you trying to say? You think I'm an a-hole?

 

[franznietzsche]

That's very polite. What are you trying to say? You think I'm an a-hole?

Not really, I'm an a-hole. No doubt about that. I just see no need to be a dumbass about it. At least not intentionally.

 

[the number 42]

Not really, I'm an a-hole. No doubt about that. I just see no need to be a dumbass about it. At least not intentionally.

I was thinking of arguing with you about this, but I think I'll just bookmark that post and quote it at you every now and again, just in case you start picking on my spelling or something
e.g.
Me - "Hey Nitchy, didn't they bass Springfield on Cow Poly?"
Nitchy - "No... no... probably not. And anyway, its 'base' not 'bass'"
Me - "Oh yeah right. Thats why you said:

I'm an a-hole.

"

You can see how I delighted I am about this, and the cunning and subtle uses I can put it too. So even though I'm a total gimp, I'll never lose an argument with you again.

 

[franznietzsche]

I was thinking of arguing with you about this, but I think I'll just bookmark that post and quote it at you every now and again, just in case you start picking on my spelling or something
e.g.
Me - "Hey Nitchy, didn't they bass Springfield on Cow Poly?"
Nitchy - "No... no... probably not. And anyway, its 'base' not 'bass'"
Me - "Oh yeah right. Thats why you said:
"

You can see how I delighted I am about this, and the cunning and subtle uses I can put it too. So even though I'm a total gimp, I'll never lose an argument with you again.

I hate to break it to you, but the fact that I'm an a-hole is common knowledge. Congratulations looks like you were last to know.

That makes you my wife.

Ewww.

 

[Moonbear]

What does that mean, when the curve is 10-15%?

It means the grades aren't on a curve but are all scaled up so the highest score is an A.

Students would very much complain if scores were really curved, because if everyone does well, you could actually be given a lower grade than your raw score indicates...only a very masochistic instructor would try that, because it would ensure their torture at the hands of the students. But, how the class is graded is ultimately up to the professor.

 

[the number 42]

I hate to break it to you, but the fact that I'm an a-hole is common knowledge. Congratulations looks like you were last to know.

That makes you my wife.

Ewww.

I was just about to go to bed, but I don't think I'll sleep now. Thanks buddy, I mean darling, I mean... oh whatever.

 

[franznietzsche]

I was just about to go to bed, but I don't think I'll sleep now. Thanks buddy, I mean darling, I mean... oh whatever.

Glad i could help honey.

 

[franznietzsche]

It means the grades aren't on a curve but are all scaled up so the highest score is an A.

Students would very much complain if scores were really curved, because if everyone does well, you could actually be given a lower grade than your raw score indicates...only a very masochistic instructor would try that, because it would ensure their torture at the hands of the students. But, how the class is graded is ultimately up to the professor.

I've had professors do that for the full class grade. Its the only time i ever worry about my grades, because i don't like my grade to be dependent on everyone doing worse than me.

 

[Monique]

That's just weird. If you don't answer all questions correctly, you should not be given a full grade. At least that's how things work around here.

 

[Astronuc]

When I taught, I would give an absolute grade. The student either got it right or wrong. I failed students who did not put in the effort, and I gave D's.

For students, who received F's or D's, I had them come talk to me. In some cases, I recommended that they consider another area of study.

I was somewhat lenient for freshman, and was less so up the ranks. For graduate students, I was much tougher, since at that point, one should have a significant amount of academic discipline and responsibility. The position of a graduate student is equivalent to an entry level engineer or scientist.

Franz - Rather than being pissed off, go find a professor and see if you can get involved in some research. I had a colleague, who was simply brilliant (4.0). During his sophomore year, he got involved in the development of numerical methods. He was effectively doing Masters level research. In fact, his research became the basis of his MS and PhD work. He ended up working for one of the National Labs.

 

[GCT]

It seems to me that learning math is similar to learning language, it does not necessarily reflect you ingenuity, perhpas more of your personality, it is certainly a more simple and efficient form of language.

 

[the number 42]

Franz - Rather than being pissed off, go find a professor and see if you can get involved in some research. I had a colleague, who was simply brilliant (4.0). During his sophomore year, he got involved in the development of numerical methods. He was effectively doing Masters level research. In fact, his research became the basis of his MS and PhD work. He ended up working for one of the National Labs.

I never thought you would stoop to such sarcasm, Astronuc. That kid'll drop out of college and be drunk off his ass, flippin' burgers and belching lines from 'Beyond Good & Evil' till his arteries clog. Don't mess with nature. Do we really need another genius messing around in laboratories? Haven't you noticed the shortage of off-the-wall characters in fast food these days? The kids in Taco Bell are virtually catatonic.

 

[mattmns]

I agree, do some extra research on your own. Or if not interested, just relax and pass the class with ease.

 

[the number 42]

Yeah, try out some different paper hats. See which ones you like best.

 

[Moonbear]

Haven't you noticed the shortage of off-the-wall characters in fast food these days? The kids in Taco Bell are virtually catatonic.

I actually have noticed this, for several years now. What happened to all the smart high school kids trying to earn some money to pay for college, or some smart college kids trying to earn some pizza money who used to work in the fast food joints? The kids working there really do all seem to be somewhat catatonic! It's frightening. I was starting to wonder if they were told Special K is good for breakfast and didn't realize someone meant the cereal.

 

[the number 42]

I actually have noticed this, for several years now. What happened to all the smart high school kids trying to earn some money to pay for college, or some smart college kids trying to earn some pizza money who used to work in the fast food joints? The kids working there really do all seem to be somewhat catatonic! It's frightening. I was starting to wonder if they were told Special K is good for breakfast and didn't realize someone meant the cereal.

I'm glad you agree that only Nitchy - and wasters of his ilk - can save us from bland service in our fine fast food joints. I mean, what a noble sacrifice that would be.

 

[Moonbear]

I'm glad you agree that only Nitchy - and wasters of his ilk - can save us from bland service in our fine fast food joints. I mean, what a noble sacrifice that would be.

Well, if he used the extra time he has due to skipping class to get a part time job somewhere, he wouldn't have to keep complaining that his mom controls what he can spend money on either. Ever noticed that he seems to have no shortage of money to spend on alcohol, yet for some reason isn't allowed to spend US$25/year to be a PF contributor?

 

[the number 42]

Well, if he used the extra time he has due to skipping class to get a part time job somewhere, he wouldn't have to keep complaining that his mom controls what he can spend money on either. Ever noticed that he seems to have no shortage of money to spend on alcohol, yet for some reason isn't allowed to spend US$25/year to be a PF contributor?

Yeah. They should waive the fee for drunks. Good point, Mooners.

 

[franznietzsche]

Franz - Rather than being pissed off, go find a professor and see if you can get involved in some research. I had a colleague, who was simply brilliant (4.0). During his sophomore year, he got involved in the development of numerical methods. He was effectively doing Masters level research. In fact, his research became the basis of his MS and PhD work. He ended up working for one of the National Labs.

I am, we're working on modelling solar energy transport, specifically how convection works in the sun, in particular how convective cells are structured, how fast the gas actually flows, how much energy is actually carried by convection rather than by radiation.

I actually have noticed this, for several years now. What happened to all the smart high school kids trying to earn some money to pay for college, or some smart college kids trying to earn some pizza money who used to work in the fast food joints? The kids working there really do all seem to be somewhat catatonic! It's frightening. I was starting to wonder if they were told Special K is good for breakfast and didn't realize someone meant the cereal.

I worked customer service in a phone center in high school. Almost entirely in spanish (this was in San Fernando).

Well, if he used the extra time he has due to skipping class to get a part time job somewhere, he wouldn't have to keep complaining that his mom controls what he can spend money on either. Ever noticed that he seems to have no shortage of money to spend on alcohol, yet for some reason isn't allowed to spend US$25/year to be a PF contributor?

Actually the problem isn't spending cash, its credit card spending. The trick to the alcohol is repeated small bank withdrawals.

I'm glad you agree that only Nitchy - and wasters of his ilk - can save us from bland service in our fine fast food joints. I mean, what a noble sacrifice that would be

For you, i would even spit in the food.