Learning mathematics is like learning anything else. For example,
- a foreign language
- how to design and build furniture
- a musical instrument
- how to draw photo-realistic hands from memory
Practice Makes Perfect... but how much?!
Proven Fact: students who do poorly don't know they're doing poorly.
Article Synopsis
- Students who do very well tend to underestimate their own ability.
- Students who do poorly overestimate their own ability.
These students suffer from a "double curse": both a lack of skills for producing correct answers, AND an inability to know when their answers are right or wrong.
Big Question: Is there any hope?
Big Answer: It's your choice.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
—Confucius
In Other Words... (Version 1): it's okay to be wrong*!!!
* as long as we're willing to admit when we are wrong, learn from our mistakes, and move on.
...but learn, and move on.
In Other Words... (Version 2): it's okay to not know the answer*!!!
* as long as we're willing to take the initiative to find answers.
Let's Take This Opportunity Enjoy Being Wrong
Plot dots at a time.
-1-1
If You're In Doubt... (and chances are, you are)
Get Help Early
- Go to our Math Lab.
- Get tutoring at the Academic Achievement Center.
- Get help from your fellow students by showing up to class.
- See me.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
- Use our course website for unlimited skills practice.
- Use our course website for unlimited exam practice.
The only true wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.
—Socrates
