college algebra after too many years

[Jewel1310]

I went back to college to finish my degree (almost starting from scratch as my previous degree was from an unaccredited school). I am 47 and taking algebra after 30 years and not doing well at all. I took it virtually (online) as I already have 2 in person classes this term. I think that was a mistake!

I work full time on top of going to school. I have taken 22 classes so far, have a 3.89 gpa, and have never dropped a class. I think I am going to have to drop this one as I am just not getting so much of it. I watch the videos. I do the online "show me" but I swear that I didn't ever learn this stuff before. Unfortunately I can't fit in any tutorin. I always aced math in school.

I hate moments like this one. I don't want to drop the class, but realistically I made a bad choice in taking it virtually.... My other classes are suffering because of the inbalance.

Anyone else experience this? Do some things just not come back to you??

 

[LilyWDW]

I went back to college to finish my degree (almost starting from scratch as my previous degree was from an unaccredited school). I am 47 and taking algebra after 30 years and not doing well at all. I took it virtually (online) as I already have 2 in person classes this term. I think that was a mistake!

I work full time on top of going to school. I have taken 22 classes so far, have a 3.89 gpa, and have never dropped a class. I think I am going to have to drop this one as I am just not getting so much of it. I watch the videos. I do the online "show me" but I swear that I didn't ever learn this stuff before. Unfortunately I can't fit in any tutorin. I always aced math in school.

I hate moments like this one. I don't want to drop the class, but realistically I made a bad choice in taking it virtually.... My other classes are suffering because of the inbalance.

Anyone else experience this? Do some things just not come back to you??

I can't answer your questions, but I can give you a very understanding

It's not the end of the world to drop the class (unless it will mess up your status for financial aid). It happens. That's why they give you the chance to do so. Just make sure to know what the penalties are for dropping at this date.

Sometimes an online class isn't the best choice. I am currently having that issue with accounting, but it's ONLY offered online so I don't have a choice. Also, people learn different ways so maybe this way just isn't for you when it comes to math.

 

[ShesAPirate]

I just did the same last year, after 18 years out of high school. It was sooo hard! I don't have a math brain at all. I never would've been able to pass if I'd taken the class online. Being able to talk to my professor was a huge help.

I highly recommend going to any extra tutoring that might be offered, if you decide not to drop the class. I squeaked by with a C+, and that was good enough for me -- I was just glad it was over

 

[Jewel1310]

Thanks Lilly - I had to take Accounting I and II - definitely not my favorite classes so good luck to you. It will affect my financial aid, but I won't be eligible next year anyway (only eligible this year as I have two in college). Good to keep an eye on the penalties.

Shes good thoughts. They offer tutoring but I don't think I can fit it in. I was hoping I could snag a C but if my last two tests are any indication I think that is unlikely.... thanks for the kind words though.

Live and learn (except maybe algebra ;-)

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

I'd drop it and drop it now if I were you. I don't think it'll get much easier, and if you don't have time for tutoring, it could really bring down your GPA. Sounds like this is a class you'd do better to take in a classroom environment, where you've got the teacher and classmates right there to go over it with you. Plus, wouldn't you get more money back the sooner you drop the class?

 

[Jewel1310]

Hi Amanda - good comments. I won't get a refund on any of it as that can only occur in the first 2 weeks and we are almost at week 4. You are right that it will lower my GPA and it most likely won't get easier.

 

[allyphoe]

Drop the class!

My partner went back to school after 20 years out. She'd taken Calc I the first time around, and wanted to do Calc II, but felt she had to start with College Algebra and work her way up because it had been so long. (And the first time around, she'd been a campus tutor for College Algebra, so she really got it then.)

She spent 30+ hours a week on that class, and that was in a regular 16-week term. It's really a lot harder (and more work) than people give it credit for.

 

[LilyWDW]

Thanks Lilly - I had to take Accounting I and II - definitely not my favorite classes so good luck to you. It will affect my financial aid, but I won't be eligible next year anyway (only eligible this year as I have two in college). Good to keep an eye on the penalties.

I took Fundamentals of Accounting last Spring (working on my MBA and don't have a business undergrad). Now I am actually taking the MBA level accounting class. I swear I don't remember a dang thing from last semester.

I wish I lived closer as I would be willing to help ya out with algebra.

 

[luvsJack]

I know EXACTLY where you are coming from--I am going through the exact same thing right now.

I am 47 and although I have two AAS degrees, I have not taken College Algebra until now. I wanted to run from the computer screaming!!!! The online class I am taking is on MathLab and there is lots of practice problems and it will take you through the problems step by step so that is helping.

You may need to drop the class and take a lower level math. The school I work for offers, dev. math, intro to algrebra and intermediate algrebra. I wish now I had at least taken intro before transferring.

Check into your school's drop policy. Our students can drop up until just a couple of weeks before finals and still receive a "W" that doesn't effect their GPA. That way you can be sure what you want to do and it may give you chance to figure out how to get some tutoring.

 

[SandrA9810]

I was great at math in High School. Then a few years ago, I had some one that asked me to help her and I was totally lost in it. I remember covering it in high school, but I didn't remember all the steps.

Now i'm helping my BF with his math class. I started at the beginning of the book and working my way through it so I know what's going on when it starts to get hard for him. Of course he's in the most basic math class, so that helps. But I honestly don't know what I would test at if I took one now. Although I probably could finish the entire book in a couple of weeks once I got the hang of it.

I don't think you've totally forgotten how to do it. It's just uncovering it after all these years of collecting dust.

 

[Jewel1310]

Too true - I think it is under a lot of dust! The really sad thing is that my son is a physics major with a minor in math. I dreaded telling him but he took it well. He tried to tutor me when he was home from college....

I did drop the class today. I plan on picking it up next term in the classroom. I think I will do better that way. Maybe I will keep working through the text book so I can hopefully be ahead of the game next time.

Thanks for the reassuring words everyone!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I too am returning to school. Drop the class. If you are going under now in Math it will only get worse. It's not like other classes where you have a tough chapter or a tough unit. In Math you have to get each step.

If you decide to keep the class you need a real person tutor. Does your college have a "flexible learning center," or a tutor available on campus? Another option would be to find a high school student to tutor you. If you get a tutor I would meet with them a minimum of twice a week.

My youngest son is a junior in high school. He's on the Math Team (obviously not from my genes). He is the best tutor!

Have you checked out the book, "Math Does Not Suck?" It's been out awhile, so maybe contact your library. She does a great job walking through the Pre-Algebra basics.

I wish you all the best!!!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I'm glad you dropped the class. Online math classes are not fun, nor are they convenient or easy.

I took one online before and I decided to never EVER do it again. I am really good at math but it's so much harder to have to read how to do something from a textbook than to just learn it from a professor. It could take an hour to read how to do something that a professor can tell you the easy way to do in 20 seconds. It's not worth my time to do that.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I've got nothing of substance to add, except this website was recommended by a friend's co-worker (high school Math teacher) for my daughter who is a freshman this year. They have videos on an extensive list of subjects. Might be worth checking it out:

http://www.khanacademy.org/

Seemed to help my daughter a few times and maybe it can bring back that confidence and love of math you once had. Either way, best of luck with your continued education.

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

I did drop the class today. I plan on picking it up next term in the classroom. I think I will do better that way. Maybe I will keep working through the text book so I can hopefully be ahead of the game next time.
QUOTE]

I think you made the right choice for you! I also think it'll go smoother next term for sure, especially right in the beginning since you did cover some of the material this semester. And hopefully that gets your confidence up and makes you realize you can do it!