What do I need to get on __________ in order to pass the class?
I missed a class period. How will I know what I missed?
You should check in with a classmate so they can update you and you should check out our Reminders Google Slide Deck.
I'm struggling in my math class. What can I do to better understand the material?
There's no one solid answer that is going to work for every individual. People have different learning styles as well as different foundations when it comes to mathematics. The answer to this question will vary from person to person. But here are some things you can start with:
Read the textbook section BEFORE coming to class. You won't understand everything, but at least you will have some solid, big picture ideas before we go over the material in class.
Form a study group. Working with others will help you solidify concepts. You can practice explaining concepts to each other and have a community to rely on for getting extra help.
Attend office hours. The instructor is there to help you. They can assist in a variety of ways and it helps to connect with your instructor.
Watch YouTube videos. There are a lot of helpful YouTube pages, some of which you can find on the Student Resources tab. You can also find some videos on my YouTube Channel.
Look over the exam guide (if there is one) before taking an exam, well in advance of the exam date.
Prioritize your time.
Try the Pomodoro Technique.
Try Timeboxing. Here is a Timebox Worksheet you can use.
Stay organized. Two of the biggest barriers to student success are prioritizing time and organization. Here are some ways that you can make yourself organized:
Use some kind of physical planner or a calendar app (I personally use Google Calendar like my life depends on it, which it kind of does).
I highly suggest buying some kind of 3-ring binder or a notebook to organize the many papers/notes/exams/quizzes/worksheets/etc. that you will be given in your various classes.
Will you write me a letter of recommendation?
When is our next exam? When is our final exam? Where is your office? How is the homework structured for our class?
All of this information, plus a lot of other important information can be found in the syllabus.
What are office hours?
What types of careers can you have with a degree in math?
All kinds! Mathematics is so versatile and can be found in all areas of society. https://www.siam.org/media/hicbuee5/careers-brochure-2022.pdf
How do I be successful in your math class?
I sent out an anonymous survey to students that have previously taken one of my math courses. I asked them "what advice would you give one of my current math students to be successful in one of Mr. Kwon's math courses?". Below are the responses that I got from that survey. I did not edit their comments for grammar or spelling:
Get your algebra and trig down. Most ppl struggle in calc cause of alg and trig.
Print out his past exams. Practice them. Sleep early before exams. Go to the mesa center.
Ask questions when you’re unsure about something. Mr. Kwon explains things really well.
On assignments such as the Written HW (especially the longer ones that include a bunch of questions), don't put them off until the last day but rather space them out as much as you can. This just makes it seem less overwhelming and gives you more time to work through everything.
Before going to class, I spend around 10 minutes skim-reading through the section that I will learn in class. During class, I take notes, highlight the main ideas, and ask questions if it’s not clear. Do the homework as soon as possible to figure out which parts you are still confused about (write out on notes --> ask Mr. Kwon). Mr. Kwon always points out the common mistakes in every section; take notes carefully! Worksheet is really helpful to help me understand deeply. Doing it, take note and ask questions. I also practice on the previous exam on his website (take note and ask questions to Mr. Kwon). Going to his office hours to make sure you have answers for all of your questions, before the exam date, reading all of my notes and equations, and redoing any questions I don’t feel confident about.