MAAP 2 STEM

Hello and welcome back for a second strategy to use outside of the mathematics classroom. At this point, we all know that completing homework and studying for assessments will be done outside the class. Last week, we suggested reorganizing your notes.

This next tip is one I did not learn until college while taking Calculus I. For me, as long as I understood the explanation of the material in class, I simply stuck with the techniques that were working. However, I had to modify my approach when it no longer worked or did not work as well as before. 

There was no turning to AI to solve my problem. So, what did I do? Well, I only had a few options:  1) figure it out on my own, 2) hope a classmate could explain it, or 3) go see my instructor.

And here is our launch point for the day.

Visit your instructor.

While tutoring a student some years ago, I asked if they went to their instructor’s office hours. The student said no. I asked why not. The student responded, they will only explain things the same way they did in class. If I didn’t understand them then, why would I understand them in their office?

Fair. But consider the following. Most instructors are trying to teach to a middle ground within the class. However, the middle looks different from one class to the next, which can impact the delivery of the instruction. So, yes, it is quite possible that an instructor may miss someone in the class. But if you then go discuss the material with them during office hours, they can probably pinpoint where the disconnect is occurring and tailor the explanation to fit a student’s individual needs. 

A second reason I have heard from students for not going to see an instructor during office hours is, my teacher is going to see I don’t know this stuff. On the first day, I would discuss this very point with my classes by stating the following:  I grade your papers. As a result, I have an idea of what you don’t know. I just don’t know why, which is what I want to help you address.

Remember, a relationship exists between you and your instructor. In any relationship, moments will occur where you have to open up and be honest. Consequently, you may feel vulnerable when acknowledging you need help. There is no shame in asking for assistance. We all need it at some point. Step outside your comfort zone and explore what can be.

Thank you for reading and sharing. Until next week, take care.