Why is Linear Algebra causing confusion despite high exam grades?

[Sting]

In the Calculus I - III, the concepts didn't seem so difficult but the highest I would be able to make on an exams would be a high B and a majority of my tests have been lower B's.

But when I got into Linear Algebra, the concepts had the potential of creating headaches and I went through class with "absolute confusion" however, I would get A's on the test (and I'm still continuing that streak and part of the three of our class that usually sets the curve on tests).

What's wrong?

 

[lethe]

higher level math classes have softer curves. calc I-III was probably filled with math, chemistry, physics majors, and engineers, with a wide range of abilities.

higher math classes usually have only math and sometimes physics majors, and most of them are supposed to know what s going on. so there isn t as much need to curve people down.

i have had very high level math classes where they do not grade you at all. everyone gets an A. the assumption is you wouldn t be there if you weren t very capable.

 

[climbhi]

Originally posted by lethe
i have had very high level math classes where they do not grade you at all. everyone gets an A. the assumption is you wouldn t be there if you weren t very capable.

Oh man that's so cool, that would be such a releif to just be able to go to class and learn the stuff for learnings sake rather then have to be sweating tests all the time.

 

[Loren Booda]

Confusionism is considered an intellectual philosophy, you know.

Actually, I believe you may have discovered the beauty of math, if not a more understanding professor and more favorable curves in Linear.

 

[plus]

Originally posted by lethe
i have had very high level math classes where they do not grade you at all. everyone gets an A. the assumption is you wouldn t be there if you weren t very capable.

I wish that they did that in my pure maths modules.

 

[Sting]

Well, it really wasn't an issue of the curve because even without the cruve, I would still manage with an A (I never got an equal distribution of the curve).

I'm just wondering why I do decent on a test I still have self-soubt about but, so so on a test where I could do way better.

 

[mathshead]

it is this kind of feeling about maths, that make people like me get addicted to maths...it a good feeling!

 

[Mulder]

Originally posted by Sting
I'm just wondering why I do decent on a test I still have self-doubt about but, so so on a test where I could do way better.

Did you find that the LM or the Calculus tests actually went better? Which did you feel most confident about when you stepped outside the exam?

 

[damgo]

Stuff just gets a lot harder, and they don't expect the class to understand it as well. I had some advanced phys classes in college where I would finish a test and think, "That's it, I failed. Everything I wrote down was BS... I didn't even understand what half the questions were asking." Then later I would find out I got an A or something. Eventually you get used to this state of constant academic confusion. ;)

 

[Sting]

Did you find that the LM or the Calculus tests actually went better? Which did you feel most confident about when you stepped outside the exam?

I felt more confident with my Calculus tests. In Linear Algebra, I walk out worried and frustrated. What's strange is that I ended up with the higher of grade (where half the class failed).

Stuff just gets a lot harder, and they don't expect the class to understand it as well. I had some advanced phys classes in college where I would finish a test and think, "That's it, I failed. Everything I wrote down was BS... I didn't even understand what half the questions were asking." Then later I would find out I got an A or something. Eventually you get used to this state of constant academic confusion. ;)

That's my situation.