Do math professors make intermediate algerbra hard, on purpous?

Question

cuz were learning about whole numbers, integers, real numbers, unions, intersections, ect...all things ive learned before, and, my professor might as well teach it in japanese

...is it a consperacy [sp?]

yeah but, anyone can still succeed in a class with or without being "weeded"

Answer 1

Yeah you're right to say [sp?]

And I've found that all math professors are generally nerds who think that if you don't understand it how they do, then you're a piece of crap. I personally believe that math teachers masturbate to math equations. Just try your best to get through it, and don't major in math in college.

Answer 2

Most (but not all) teachers care a great deal about the quality of their instruction. If you are in high school, your teacher may be _very_ busy. They might have five (or even six) different classes, lunch room duty, coaching duties, and then they have their own families to worry about, too. So, making math fun and interesting for 6 hours straight can be challenging for even the most energetic individuals.

If you are in college, more of the same except now your teacher has service and research obligations. And, if they don't have tenure, "research" is likely to be _very_ important to them so your class will be a much lower priority.

If you perceive a legitimate problem with the class, bring it up with your instructor in a non-confrontational way and see if there is a way it can be resolved to the benefit of both of you. If this is not possible or a satisfactory resolution is not obtained, go to the principal or assistant principal (if you are in high school) or chair (or diviision head or director) if you are in college. Reexplain and look for a satisfactory resolution.

If a satisfactory resolution is not possible, asked to be placed in a different class. If that individual is the only one teaching the class, try to get permission to take the class at a local college or at another high school.

Remember: In the real world, you will always have to work with people that you don't get along with very well, so none of these options may work and you may be forced to live with the situation. Thank goodness, school years and semesters end, so he or she will be out of your life sooner or later.

Certainly, those of us who are math teachers that answer questions on Answers are sympathetic to your situation! Good luck in getting it resolved! :)

Answer 3

Hi woah, I'm a beginning math professor. This is an interesting question. You see, while calculus/intermediate algebra is applicable in certain kinds of technical fields and is a topic of historical importance, chances are you're not literally going to use it in your career. The reason you're taking these classes is to train your mind to make logical arguments. Since in the long run the math topics in question aren't so important (except for standardized tests) I think it is reasonable to spend time on the more abstract part of algebra, if your professor desires. However this needs to be done with care, since it does have the potential to alienate students who are more comfortable with familiar computations. Professors do not go through much formal training to be teachers, and learn most of this skill "on the job". It is entirely possible that yours is not connecting with the class but has idealistic ideas about teaching math from "the ground up".

Math professors are discouraged from making their classes too easy, and there is always debate about how abstractly to cover the material that goes on "behind the scenes". Sometimes a syllabus or common final forces decisions on us, but by and large we make our own decisions.

Bear with it and try to absorb it as best as you can. Fear is your worst enemy with the abstract stuff. Try to talk about it with others (your professor...) in a more down-to-earth way.

Answer 4

That is a problem.

It isn't hard for them.

Some people know a lot about a subject, but just aren't very good at teaching it. The colleges should focus more on teaching them how to teach, like they do with the elementary school teachers.

Answer 5

In all likelihood, what you are being given the 'simple' way of doing things. But there is no 'royal' road to mathematics. You simply have to buckle down and work harder. Once you start 'getting it', it really becomes fun.

Answer 6

Yes, it is. It weeds out all of the undesireables.

Besides, if it was easy any moron could do it and being a mathematician would have the same prestige as being a garbage collector ☺


Doug

Answer 7

no...

but English teachers do...