Advice From Spring 2001 Math 2000 Students

The best way to get a good grade in this class is to keep up on the homework assignments. They are not hard if you just use the formulas. The lectures are not at all boring. You can actually learn some useful things. Also, the group work can really help your social life.

This class is unlike any other math class you have ever taken. You’re expected to learn and be able to apply the information presented to you, but it’s done in a very low pressure comfortable way. Math is not your enemy and BB is a great ally against such a myth. Good luck.

As someone who looked at math as some life-threatening disease that I would never want to catch, I was terrified to walk into class the first day. However, I can say that my knowledge of math has increased because of this class. The professor is always approachable and (as advice) - go see him! Also, if you have a question - ask! You will learn in this class. Just remember, the unit on permutations will end! Good luck!

I can’t give you any advice about what it takes to become engaged and want to learn other than be sure to actually go to class and you should do fine. Different people learn different ways, so I can’t really tell you how to succeed. Just come in with an open mind and try to pay attention.

Math for the liberal arts is not a difficult class. Just do the reading and the homework assignments. Guarantee, you’ll get at least a B. It is also a good idea to go into see BB after class hours to go over the assignment or anything else you might not understand. Doing this will further your chances of getting your desired grade.

If I could have known one thing before I started this class it would have been this: Your professor really does want you to succeed in this course! I came in with a biased attitude towards the class and the instructor, but it soon became apparent the BB is not your normal math teacher. If you show up to class and show that you care about your grade, he will show you the same respect.

These boys were great! First of all, you should trust them to help you understand this stuff even if all you’ve ever known were crappy math teachers. Do the assignments! It completely helps the process of learning even though it takes some time. Take all the time you need … math in my past has been under time pressure and you were expected to just shoot the answers out. Here, the important thing is to get it, not to get it fast. The topics are interesting and the conversation is fun. Come to class and expect to be amazed.

By the time you receive this letter I will be happily on my way with three math credits towards graduation. To put a brief synopsis of this course: bring a good book, drink plenty of caffeine and thank God that you can get math credits this easily.

Realizing that this will hopefully be the only math class you have to take, make the most of it. It is not hard and BB is willing to help. It is not exciting and can seem like a waste of time. Try your best and you will get the credit that you need. You will also learn to be a more insightful reader of surveys and percentages.

My first comment to you - relax! If you are feeling apprehensive about this course, remember this and you will do fine. By relaxing, you are opening up your mind to new possibilities. By actively participating, you will find that, yes, you can calculate or figure out the right answer too! More than any other class, you get what you give and the experiences are limitless.

This core class was the one I dreaded the most, but now that I have completed everything required in this class except the final, I can say my feelings were totally unfounded. I enjoyed this class the most this semester and it is primarily due to the professors teaching the class: Professors Briggs and Handelsman. They created a very positive and non-threatening atmosphere, which made learning pleasant and actually easy. I never thought I would use the words easy and math in the same sentence. The text is great, the lectures are clear and the professors bend over backwards to help you. Not to say we didn’t learn a lot of math - we did - but it was a positive experience. Do the homework, come to class, be engaged, and you will do fine. Good luck!

Math 2000 is an engaging class that lets your explore the learning process of mathematics and lets you be creative with it. This is a fun course to be a part of, and could possibly change your view of math! During this course, I have learned many things and connected them all with my personal life. This class is extremely fair when the subject of assignments comes to hand, and they let you think critically. The book that was assigned helped me out a lot in this course, and it is suggested to take notes and keep up on readings. Math 2000 is a very active, fun, and energetic class.

This class will offer you many opportunities to understand and use the kinds of percentages, interest rates, probability, and other mathematics that we center our lives around every day. Your instructor has written a book that will accompany the class information very well. If you keep an open mind about learning, pay attention in class, and keep up with the homework, you will be able to take advantage of the useful information provided, and you will likely have some FUN! Good luck!

You’ve signed up for Math 2000! Get ready for the most unique method of learning mathematics you will ever see. Whatever you do, get the syllabus and follow it carefully. Everything on it and all the advice it contains is true. “Don’t wait until the last minute to start the assignment.” This quote rings true for all classes and heads every assignment. It is excellent advice; heed it! Ask about the prior involvement of Dr. Handelsman. You will not have the benefit of his presence, but he added a significant dimension to this class.

First, relax. BB is going to walk you through it all. You will be surprised how easy this stuff comes to you. Make sure to bring a calculator and always do your homework! The first couple of classes are a little confusing, but it’s all cake from there. Come to all the lectures and then do your homework a night or two before it’s due. His lectures make it so much easier. Get used to groups and really work with them because you’re going to be stuck with them all semester - a good thing. Lastly, make sure to come to every class with a great math story; this will impress the heck out of BB.

Advice for taking Math 2000: One of the most important things is not to stress over tests. If you understand the assignments and the notes that are given in class, you’ll be just fine. Second, always draw a picture. It’s the first step to success. Lastly, don’t start adding and multiplying numbers that are given. If you take a few seconds to think about the problem, you’ll save yourself a lot of confusion.

This class is a great way to get your math credits out of the way and feel like you’ve learned something worthwhile. A lot of the material covered is practical to your everyday life. You’ll actually use it again. It doesn’t require a whole lot of time. Read the example problems in the book, come to class, work problems, do your homework and project, and you’ll be fine. The open book tests are great and tests don’t determine your grade. The stress level of this class is moderate. Good luck and enjoy!

Keep up with the assignments and you should be fine. Most of the subjects covered you probably have learned before in middle school or high school. If you’re not the type of person that learns form a book, there’s plenty of time to meet with the instructor during office hours. Even if you are taking the easy way out by enrolling in this class, it moves pretty slow, but you’re bound to learn something in virtually every chapter.

My advice to succeed in this course is to attend the class so you understand the homework. All of the homework is straight from the book, but also the professors gave us different ways of solving the problems. As long as you keep up with your homework, you’ll succeed. The good thing about this class is the professor understands that we are not crazy about math! Another fun thing to do is to suggest games to play to learn new topics; it makes it easier!

Don’t worry, it will be over before you know it. BB’s enthusiasm for math and teaching the ever-dreaded subject will certainly see you through. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; someone else is probably thinking the same thing. Do all of the homework; it’s not hard and it counts as most of your grade. Choose something for your project that you find interesting so you will enjoy doing it. And again, don’t worry; it will be over soon.

My advice to you when taking Math 2000 would be to have a positive attitude, believe in yourself, come to class, do the assignments, ask questions, and engage yourself. Doing well in this class is rewarding, even if it’s math. Take advantage of BB.

Keep on top of the game. I found I was most successful when I broke the assignments up into parts and did them over the course of a week - a couple problems here, a couple of problems there. This allowed me time to process thoughts when I really got stuck on a problem; it usually worked! Also read the chapters and think about them.

Let me be honest with you. I am very weak in math and do not find any interest in this subject. However, I had a blast in Math 2000 with BB. He was fun and I loved the interesting facts I always learned. My advice to you is to keep up on the assignments because they are a big part of the grade. Before you turn in the assignment, visit the teacher’s office hours; that way you can be sure to do very well on the assignment. Don’t hesitate asking questions; he is there for you. Come into class with a smile and positive attitude and I am sure you will leave with the same as well. Enjoy the music and jokes!