Q:

Why do I have to take algebra?  It has nothing to do with my degree/career.

A:

You may be surprised how often algebra will come in handy in not only your job, but in everyday life.  But even if you never solve another equation, you are learning problem-solving skills.  Studies show that one of the first things prospective employers look for are math skills.  In short, MATH=$$$$.

Q:

Where will I ever use this?

A:

On the next exam!  Seriously, you are here to get an education, which will involve learning many new things.  It’s true that what you learn you might never use.  But what you don’t learn, you’ll definitely never use!  "The purpose of education is to prepare [a person] to educate themselves throughout their lives."--Robert Maynard Holmes 

Q:

Can I ask a stupid question?

A:

No...there’s no such thing as a stupid question.  Remember:  "He who asks a question may seem a fool for a moment, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever."

Q:

Won’t the other students get tired of my questions or laugh at me for not knowing the answers?

A:

Who cares?  You’re paying for this class just like they are!  And chances are, someone else has the same questions you have.

Q:

I wasn’t here for our last class.  Did I miss anything?

A:

No, we all just sat here twiddling our thumbs and missing you.  Of course you missed something!  We continued with the material at hand, and you are responsible for getting any necessary notes/materials that you missed.

Q:

Is there anything I can do for extra credit?

A:

Well, let’s see…my vehicle needs to be washed, my yard needs to be mowed/raked, my gutters need to be cleaned out…  No, seriously, my courses are very structured to make each class equal.  You have the opportunity to earn points through participation: attendance, homework, and online quizzes, as well as exams.

Q:

Where can I get some extra help?

A:

There are many resources available to math students.  I have scheduled office hours which are set aside to help my students.  There are free tutors available in the SASC as well as at off-campus sites/centers.  The library has a series of CD-ROM's you may check out to review the material as it’s covered in the textbook.  You are also encouraged to study with a friend or form study groups.  Your textbook has interactive software to aid you in learning the material, along with the website MathXL.com.  You might also want to check out some of the math websites on my “Math Links” page.  You'll be surprised how much math help you can get on the web.