06-29-2019, 09:47 PM
I finished today. 51 hours total work! I recommend this class to anyone that needs three Quantitative Literacy credits. The CSM Learn platform makes learning math fun(ish). This is the future of learning.They use modern methods such as zone of proximal learning and scaffolding. The problem with traditional classes, especially math (at least for me) is they lack real world context and are little more than memorizing formulae. Then you take a high pressure three hour test that proves you have memorized these skills. I failed said test (TECEP Math for Liberal Arts), but even if I passed I guarantee if I took the same test a month later I would have 'dememorized' almost everything. I know if I revisit CSM in a month I would finish in five-ten hours (this is good). You see CSM ensures you learn and it sticks, it is just a matter of how long it will take you. Get it right when you get it right. No punitive 'what is wrong with you, you illiterate math boob?!'
This is not an easy course! You must answer every question in every category correctly in order to finish. They throw in enough curve balls to keep you on your toes. For those of you who say 'what is with the proofreading and schedule interpretation?'. Simple they are disguising (or is it dressing up?) the same competencies that are laid out in any College Math or Liberal Arts Math: logic, critical thinking, probability, and/or gates, decimals, fractions, the whole magilla. You may not even realize that this is math (except the part that is). Words can be math!
Here is what I would do different:
1. Slowed down, double check work. I would have 'got it right when I got it right' sooner and with less frustration. I lost a few yellow belts with stupid mistakes that I could have fixed before submitting.
2. Worked in a quite place with no distractions. Especially for those units that have heavy math (difficult percentages). I do have high reading comprehension so I got black belts right away in those categories while watching TV and checking social media. I am guessing for some it would be the opposite with numbers coming easy.
3. Take the help! If you use study.com or Modern States you know you can half-ass it, even guess, since they are multiple choice and you get three tries on a practice test. That is not the case here. You have to get every concept right before you climb the ladder (or earn a black belt). Stop guessing, focus, take your medicine and work on understanding the concepts.
If I had followed my own advice I think I could have done this in 40 hours.
A note: I have high math and test anxiety. I mean HIGH. I get headaches,, I get grouchy (my wife always could tell when I was studying math), I really lose concentration and feel terrible about my abilities. When I say CSM was fun(ish) I mean I looked forward to working in it everyday. Also,regarding academic integrity: I was able to resist the urge to cheat. Something about this platform and concept made me stick to it and do it on my own. I think is because CSM is rooting for you and wants you to succeed, unlike every math teacher I have ever had.
This is not an easy course! You must answer every question in every category correctly in order to finish. They throw in enough curve balls to keep you on your toes. For those of you who say 'what is with the proofreading and schedule interpretation?'. Simple they are disguising (or is it dressing up?) the same competencies that are laid out in any College Math or Liberal Arts Math: logic, critical thinking, probability, and/or gates, decimals, fractions, the whole magilla. You may not even realize that this is math (except the part that is). Words can be math!
Here is what I would do different:
1. Slowed down, double check work. I would have 'got it right when I got it right' sooner and with less frustration. I lost a few yellow belts with stupid mistakes that I could have fixed before submitting.
2. Worked in a quite place with no distractions. Especially for those units that have heavy math (difficult percentages). I do have high reading comprehension so I got black belts right away in those categories while watching TV and checking social media. I am guessing for some it would be the opposite with numbers coming easy.
3. Take the help! If you use study.com or Modern States you know you can half-ass it, even guess, since they are multiple choice and you get three tries on a practice test. That is not the case here. You have to get every concept right before you climb the ladder (or earn a black belt). Stop guessing, focus, take your medicine and work on understanding the concepts.
If I had followed my own advice I think I could have done this in 40 hours.
A note: I have high math and test anxiety. I mean HIGH. I get headaches,, I get grouchy (my wife always could tell when I was studying math), I really lose concentration and feel terrible about my abilities. When I say CSM was fun(ish) I mean I looked forward to working in it everyday. Also,regarding academic integrity: I was able to resist the urge to cheat. Something about this platform and concept made me stick to it and do it on my own. I think is because CSM is rooting for you and wants you to succeed, unlike every math teacher I have ever had.