Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, both class and SPT session attendance are absolutely mandatory. It is extremely rare for a student who is frequently absent to do well in their precalculus class.

Reflect on the following questions:

• Are you attending every class and SPT session? Coming to class ready to learn and participate is the first step toward success in your precalculus class.

• Are you working on the homework problems throughout the week? It will be easier to learn and absorb information if you work on math consistently throughout the week, rather than cramming for hours the night before a quiz or test. Try to set aside 30-60 minutes every day to work on math problems. 

• Are you asking for help when needed? Instead of struggling with the same problem or concept for hours, please ask for help. There are many resources available to help you succeed in your precalculus class. In particular, your instructor holds 'Office Hours' every week (times when you can drop in to ask questions without an appointment). Here are some  additional resources. 

• Are you able to solve problems independently? It's good to ask for help and work on problems with your classmates, but during in-class quizzes and tests you will need to be able solve problems on your own. If you aren't able to solve a particular type of problem on your own confidently (without getting help or referring to your notes), then you need to practice more with that problem type.

For advice that is specific to you and your situation, please speak with your instructor as soon as possible if you are struggling. We want you to be successful and can help you make a plan and/or direct you to appropriate resources.

First, thank you for attending office hours! Any precalculus instructor will be very happy to help you. Here are some suggestions to get the conversation started:

• Find an example covered in class  which you understood some of but did not understand completely. Ask your instructor if you can work through the problem together.

• Bring a problem that you've already worked on, but did not get the correct answer. Ask your instructor to check your work to identify any mistakes.

• Bring a problem which you have worked out and already obtained the correct answer. Ask your instructor if you can present your solution, either on paper or at the board, to make sure that your thought process is correct and that you are showing all the necessary steps to receive full credit if this problem type were asked on an exam. 

• Ask for general advice about how to study math.

Office hours are times when an instructor will be in their office and able to answer your questions about the course material. No appointment is needed to attend an instructor's office hours.

If your instructor's office hours don't work with your schedule, feel free to email your instructor and ask if you can schedule a different time to meet. Alternatively, you can look on the course syllabus to see the names, office locations and office hours of all the instructors teaching precalculus this semester. Feel free to drop by any precalculus instructor's office hours to ask your questions. We are all very happy to help!

All the precalculus instructors' names, office numbers and office hours are listed in the course syllabus. The syllabus is posted on your course section's Blackboard Learn page. Note that you are welcome to attend the office hours of any instructor teaching precalculus this semester.

The answer to this question will vary, because students come to CSU from many different high schools throughout Ohio, as well as from other states and countries! In general though, your college math classes will focus on understanding concepts and problem solving, in addition to developing specific skills and procedures. What this means is that at times, you will be expected to think creatively, and solve new types of problems independently. For example, we might practice several different skills during class, which you need to use together in a new way on a homework problem.