I really want you to understand why we do certain things, what they actually mean, and how all of the topics we learn about are interconnected. I also want to help you realize your own power as a problem solver. In order to accomplish all these things, I need to highlight your voice and help you make these connections in your own mind. Our class time will try to minimize my voice in an effort to highlight all of your brilliance.

My course is built on the idea that we aren't perfect the first time we do something and those mistakes are how we improve and learn. Every assignment can be redone after you receive some guidance from me on how to improve it. There are multiple ways for you to demonstrate your understanding - quizzes, creative assignments... If you've struggled in a traditional classroom, I hope we'll find a way to get through this together. 

Also note, my overall goal is preparing you to be successful in Math 151. I hope this is also your goal - learning skills and techniques that will help you as you move forward. Shortcuts like tutors who do the work for you (even if they may be well-meaning) or solver websites are short-term solutions to get points. You may be able to get a B or C using those shortcuts, but you will do yourself a disservice in the long run. I've taught some of those classes later in the sequence and students always regret having chosen an easy professor or using shortcuts.

I'll leave you with a tip from my favorite MathEd person (Howie Hua, apparently he's busy being TikTok famous with his math content now): 

Focus on the learning. The grade will earn itself.