Learning math is an obstacle course for everyone. The difference is how we manage the those challenges. Some are excited by the challenge while others are repelled. It’s just the nature of one of life’s challenges.
I promote math education for children and adults because each thing created by human hands has a math requirement. We use math to produce the components of everything. Yes Everything.
Even that beautiful crayon drawing on the refrigerator. Is the paper a certain weight or thickness? What about the crayon? The ratio of color to wax has to be precise. Did you ever color with those generic crayons vs the name brand? Then you understand the importance of the proper wax color ratio. 🖍
To put it simply, anything produced that requires consistency, accuracy or predictability requires math. Not just the techy stuff. High paying jobs need people who can maintain the consistency and accuracy of their services AND can reason quantitively to make adjustments as needed.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a nurse, a foreman, a welder, a sports agent, or a social worker. You must be consistent and accurate to some measure to keep the job. This is one of the reasons math is requirement for even non-techy jobs.
Consider it, how much do you trust the goods or services of a provider whose products don’t possess some measure of consistency, accuracy or predictability? No matter how many students complain about math and wish to avoid it, deep down we all understand the necessity of math.
The place where many students lose the steam is somewhere within a PREREQUISITE GAP.
The prerequisite gap is the difference between what you need to know before you begin a class and WHAT YOU ACTUALLY KNOW. Even if you took the prerequisite class, if you didn’t absorb or assume the knowledge, there is still a gap. [assume as in take – not presume]
I always ask students to think of course prerequisites not as a checklist but as ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE. Every course has to begin with some concept and to do well in that course you must be prepared to begin at that concept or do some catching up. Let me tell you…catching up while trying to keep up is quite a bit of hard work!
Let’s give a simple example, let’s say it’s time to convert a proper fraction into a decimal without a calculator.
$$\frac{5}{6}$$
“Simply find the quotient of the numerator and the denominator or you can divide the numerator by the denominator.”
How much information did I assume that you you’ve assumed into your math knowledge?
- that you know what the words quotient, numerator and denominator meant.
- that you know how to divide when the divisor is more than the dividend.
- that you know how to determine the divisor and dividend from a fraction.
This was a simple example. So simple that some of you read it and thought – “Who didn’t know that?” But that’s the real problem, not everyone actually has the same level of knowledge.
In this example I used information that an astute student can figure out quickly, but imagine listening to a lecture.
Once the teacher comes to assuming prior knowledge that has not actually been assumed into your mathematical knowledge, the learning connection starts to break down.
The teacher can’t know that you don’t know and if you don’t/can’t ask a question – a learning gap has been created. Over time these small gaps grow into canyons. These canyons are usually cause “math avoidance”
Let’s look at other example:
Are these numbers in ascending order? If not, place them in proper order?
$$\frac{-5}{18},\frac{-17}{25}, \frac{1}{4},\frac{3}{4},\frac{11}{16}$$
As you figure it out ( I hope you make the attempt and not just skim for the answer 😊), please think about all the ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE that you need. At the very least, you know what the word ascending means, understand the value of fractions on the number line and are familiar with negative numbers.
Trying to learn math without a solid grasp of the material that came before is like someone demanding that you bake a cake but you don’t know where the oven is and the recipe is written in Greek! Of course this can cause stress, poor absorption of the material and an awful experience with math.
For those over 35 returning to class this fall or those wanting to reinforce their math skills, some of that ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE has dissipated. Lack of use does that to all skills and math is no exception.
Unfortunately, in college courses, students are responsible for managing their own learning. There’s more material to teach in less time therefore these courses must begin at the designated concept. It is expected that the student discover and shore up their own learning gaps.
That’s where The College Math Refresher comes in.
This 3 week hybrid workshop was designed to help returning students hit the ground running when they return to math class.
The College Math Refresher meets live in a virtual class two times each week. These classes are limited to seven students per section. Smaller classes are just more relaxing. I’d rather help 7 eager students prepare than have 30 just stare.
My next sessions begin August 7, 2021 and I offer 4 different day/time combos to accommodate various schedules:
- In addition to the live sessions, every student receives access 30 day access to an online comprehensive math learning program offering unlimited math practice across thousands of skills. The program is adaptable and self paced practice. This means that students may work on what they’ve learned until they feel comfortable. This alone is invaluable. Math is a skill that needs to be practiced, it’s experiential.
All other materials are included. workbook, textbook, study notes and a generous discount on private sessions. I love to teach and I’m in love with math. It is my joy to help make it a little less frustrating for others.
So let me ask you?
- How would it feel to be confident about learning math?
- How would like to experience learning math in small group with other students who are where you are? You may meet a friend or a future study buddy. I don’t care how old you are…study buddies are cool.
- How would it feel not to worry about that math class affecting your ability to earn your degree?
- How about the next time you’re faced with a pre employment test, you can say No Problem…because it isn’t?
- Could you pass your new confidence on to someone else? Your kids? Friends who want to go back to school, like you?
If this sounds like something you’re interested in and you’re ready to learn more, Here’s what you do.
Download your free College Math Preparation Workbook.
Simply enter and confirm your email address.
Inside your Welcome Email, will be your workbook and access to the The College Math Refresher Pretest.
Yes, I said pretest…sorry. We have to begin somewhere.
You may take this assessment whenever you’re ready.
I ask all potential students to take the The College Math Refresher Pretest to gauge their preparedness. The Pretest doesn’t obligate you in any way and it’s FREE.
Small sessions allow me to craft each session towards the needs of the group and the pretest gives me an idea of each student’s starting place. This also helps me to recommend a study plan for your online practice. You will receive 10% off the cost of the workshop just for taking the pretest and your score doesn’t affect your ability to attend the workshop.
Oh Last thing, see that Reward Tab on the right of the screen?
If you think this information may benefit others you know, please click on the Rewards tab to share on Facebook. You’ll receive 10% off ANYTHING in my course catalog for a year and yes you may combine coupons.
Ready to get started?