How to Succeed

You'll have more opportunity to be successful if you follow these tips:

1. Be proactive.

Log into our course at least twice a week.  I suggest every Monday to read the weekly announcement & preview the new module, and every Friday to see if there are any updates/changes. Carefully read the weekly announcement, which includes the week's learning objectives and a list of assignments. Assess the workload and put the due dates on your calendar. Having a mental picture of what's ahead is the best thing you can do to prepare each week.

2. Each time you log in, start on our course Homepage.

It will guide you to our current module and provide you with the most recent announcements from me.

3. Print the guided notes for each section video and watch the videos.

Use the notes as you complete the readings/videos. The notes will support your success on the homework and exams.

4. Plan to submit early.

I know, this one is hard because there is so much expectedness right now. Set a personal goal for yourself to have all of your assignments done by 24 hours before they are due. Why? Because life happens and when you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to have problems meeting a due date. 

5. Use the To-Do List style Schedule to track and stay current on your assignments.

It is so helpful! It lists all of the graded assignments you need to complete, and has the open and close dates for all of the exams. It also has little check boxes for you to check off when you complete an assignment! 

6. Communicate with me.

Teaching online can feel like I'm talking to myself. I need you to let me know what's happening on your end. If you identify a challenge meeting a due date, just reach out and let me know. I am grateful for your efforts to inform me. I understand these are difficult times and I'm here to support you. Contacting me in advance of a due date will keep you and I in sync and ensure you don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. In your message, propose an alternative due date (within 48 hours is advised to ensure you don't fall too far behind).

Before the semester starts: 

1. Read through the syllabus. Take note of important dates.

2. Verify your technology and internet are functioning.

3. Email Carrie with any questions or concerns you have.  ANY! 

Day 1 of the semester:

1. Log into our course at https://mycourses.cccs.edu

2. Read the announcements for the week.

3. Look around the course - you can't break anything!

4. Set a schedule to complete the Start Here activities before the end of Week 1. 

For each section: 

This is a plan based on the first homework assignment (R.1). Note R.1 stands for Chapter R, Section 1.

1. Read section R.1 in the textbook.

2. Watch Carrie's R.1 Lecture Video while completing the Guided Notes (more details below).

3. Complete the R.1 Skills Check assignment in ALEKS. Redoing questions until you understand the material.

4. Complete the R.1 Homework in ALEKS. Redoing questions until you get a perfect score. 

5. At the same time as step 4, post any challenging questions in the Math Questions Discussion Board, or email Carrie for help.

6. Review your individual pie in ALEKS to see what it identified as areas you need to master. Practice!

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for every section we cover. 

DO NOT attempt to do all of this on the due date. To truly learn math you need to immerse yourself. Do a little every day, if possible. Or at least a few days a week. Spreading it out also helps to reduce math anxiety, and make you more comfortable.  It also gives you time to ask Carrie for help.  

Helpful Reminder:

1. Log into the course at least every Monday and Friday to read the announcements and create a plan for the week.

2. Reach out to Carrie if have questions or concerns. Or if Life Happens - and you need some flexibility.

What are these lecture videos?
They are videos I have created of me teaching you the most important concepts and walking you through examples. 

What is a guided note?
A 1-2 page hand-out, created by me! Each guided note contains background information, rules, formulas, and example problems. Each lecture video I have created uses these notes, which you can download, print, and follow along. 

Where do I find these videos and notes?
The videos are all on my YouTube channel, Professor Baldwin.  You can also find the notes and video links on the Guided Notes & Videos page.