A
male
age
30-35,
*oviefan
writes:I have been having trouble in collage level algebra, and i have posted on here about this before i struggle even when i really try thus i studied for 3-4 hours for our last test and still failed, you ask why, because my teacher counted off on many problems for little things in my calculations that help me not stress myself out to much when doing the calculations. For example when we do certain problems that involve equal to or less then or any other variant, in them that still have to be solved like an normal equation by moving numbers from one side to the other to solve for x or y i replace it with an equals sign until the end and then place it back into the problem and determine if i need to flip the symbol around. He counted off a point on all of these problems like this even tho i got the correct answers. He did something similar to this on several other problems, pointless little issues with the fact of me doing the problem slightly different then what he does in class yet he still counts off points that build up and made me fail a test i need to pass and im starting to get pissed off at him. I need to pass his class or i risk loosing my financial aid next year meaning i cant go to collage plus i don't want to have to take it over again. What can i do, some of the things he has marked off for are things that have been dug into my math habits since i was in middle school help.
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male
reader, rcn +, writes (28 October 2009):
 It can be very irritating. Does your school offer tutoring? That may be an idea. People learn best in different ways, and sometimes a tutor or a study group can provide you with a different direction, and maybe one that is easier to comprehend.
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (28 October 2009): You cant just remove the equal sign and pop it back in later. Some operations will effect the direction of the inequality.
Here is some advice:
1. You need more practice. There is a set of books called "Problem Solvers" where they show you all the steps of working through a problem and give you more practice problems. Look for the Problem Solver that is right for your course. Published by REA I believe.
2. 3-4 hours is really not a lot of time to be studying for a college test, especially one you have trouble in. You need to reassess your time management there
3. Go to his office hours. If he sees you making an effort you will get the benefit of the doubt. If you get homework problems wrong, then rework them and bring them into the office hours to go over. Homework is the number one source teachers use for questions that will show up on exams.
4. If he doesnt want you doing something then dont do it. Maybe you have worked out your own special OvieFan-way of dealing with equations with inequalities. The guy doesnt like it for whatever reason. What would be easier- for you to adapt to the way the rest of the world does it, or to keep getting D's while you try to convince him that everyone in the class should develop their own personal systems? Dont swim against the tide.
5. Check out the book "How to Become a Straight-A Student" from the library. With the same amount of time you spend now you could probably vastly improve your grades if you organized better.
6. If you'll get kicked out of college if you dont pass this course, then Algebra needs to be your number one priority. Suppose your favorite course is Soc 301 "Mean People who Oppress Me". You may have to find a way to let the instructor know that you are under pressure in this other class and you might need an extension on the paper for his class so you can focus on algebra.
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A
male
reader, Moviefan +, writes (28 October 2009):
Moviefan is verified as being by the original poster of the question thanks its just irritating, i have little time to do all my work and i get slapped in the face for learning. ill talk to him, i just hope i dont have to go higher then him lol
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A
male
reader, rcn +, writes (28 October 2009):
First, I'd talk with your teacher, and have him explain what he feels your doing so wrong. If the general work is shown, additional should not matter. So, I'd set a meeting and see where it is you're going wrong, and why you're being marked off for that.
I didn't do well, for a simple reason. I over analyze the rules, to try to understand why, instead of accepting the rules exist, and some are complex which analyzing them is a waste of time. Look for somewhere on line where they teach the problems backward. Some people begin understanding the process better when shown that way.
I hope this helps. Take care.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 October 2009): I am right there with you except my problem is with a philosophy class, the class average is a C-. They too take off points for very minor issues and the result is usually a C or D on an assignment.
The best thing you can do is talk to him like the other poster said. Keep in mind whenever you met with a instructor or employer, you always go in diplomatic (without emotions).
Tell him exactly what you told us. You understand the material but you have your own way of arriving at the answer because of years of alternative instruction, you want to improve your grade and need to because of your financial aid, AND ask what you can do to better your grade. You will be surprised by what instructors are tempted to offer students who actually take an active interest in their grades.
So be honest, tell him what you did and why you did, state your class diplomatically and hope for the best. No matter what you should forget about what you do and do what he wants you to do. Don't try to fight it!
That said, now I have to go back to the philosophy paper I am fighting with. It is 9:30 pm, I am 45% done and it is due at 8:00 am tomorrow morning...pray for me!
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A
female
reader, Dazed~Confused  +, writes (28 October 2009):
 I had a teacher who did the same thing to me in high school.
I am not strong at maths to being with, and after struggling to understand the way in which he was doing things, I finally approached a physics professor who showed me other ways to approach it that made sense to me.
My teacher was not happy and told me I could not use those methods as they were not the way he taught them.
I spoke to him on my own regarding this, and asked why as long as I am learning, and getting the correct answers, was he penalizing me for finding a way that works for me. His only answer was that he wants it the way that he taught it.
After failing another text, even after getting almost every answer right, I asked to speak to him and the school principle. The principle said his reasoning was stupid, and that he was being fundamentally unfair. As long as I was doing the math correctly, albeit not the way he would have taught, then he can't penalize me.
I suggest you approach your professor about this one on one and find out his reasoning for penalizing you in this way, or maybe one of the T.A.'s first. Find out why he does not like/accept the method you are using. Explain to him that this is what you need to do to keep it straight in your mind. If he gives you an unreasonable explanation, then go to the department head or ask to be transferred to another class.
If none of these are an option, then try working out the equations on separate pieces of paper. I remember that we used to get scarp paper in University to work out our equations on. Then, once you have gotten the answer, write them out on the exam paper without your extras. It may take more time, but that is one way to avoid the whole situation.
Good luck!
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