Getting over the Math-Hurtle!

As a lifelong Special-Ed student, earning a collage degree was impossible for me. However, a few years ago I stumbled across John Bear’s “Guide to Earning a Degree through Distance Learning.” With his book, this web-site, and a lot of hard work I’ve made good progress in completing the impossible… In August 2005 I fished my A.A, Degree through Coastline Community College. I’m now enrolled in the BOG program at Governor State University, but I have a small issue and I’m hoping someone on the list can help me.

My current educational plan with GSU has a math requirement I’m not sure I can do. The problem is I need a math class at or above the “Math-100” level from an accredited college. GSU doesn’t provide any DL math courses and all the local Community Collages are requiring me to take Algebra II before I can take a level 100 course. Also, I’m at the limit on lower divisional credits, which means if I take the Algebra II in order to get into a college level math course, they’ll be throwaway credits.

I’m looking for low-cost easy RA/DL course, or any other options, that will get me over this math hurtle. I’m hope someone on the list can offer some good suggestions. I’ve heard that some college’s offer; a sort of “applied math program” at the 100 level that isn’t so difficult for “us” limited thinkers. I would CLEP the thing, if I could pass the test!


J. Walton

A.A/Applied Marine Engineering: Coastline Community College
B.S/B.O.G: Governors State University (In Progress)

 

I would recommend the course I am currently taking through Excelsior...College Math. It has to be the easiest math course ever created and it is at the 100 level. http://www.excelsior.edu However, it will cost around $750 and it is a standard 16 week course.


HTH

Rhonda

 

Usually colleges don't award credit towards graduation for pre-college math, so reaching the limit of lower-level courses might not be an issue.

Many colleges have a course called something like "Quantitative Reasoning," which can vary quite a bit in content (and difficulty) for refugees from the algebra wars. However, some algebra will be involved, and those who take it usually find it difficult.

Does your CC have good reason for insisting you take Algebra II? Did you take a placement test, for example?

If so, perhaps your results were due to rust, not to level of learning. If you spent some time with a good textbook, you might be able to boost your score enough. However, prerequisites in math courses usually make sense.

If it turns out that you do need to study pre-college algebra to get up to level or knock off the rust, an adult education course through the public school system could be a cheaper alternative to a college course.

Another might be self-study with the aid of a tutor--provided you can find a good one. That can be a very efficient and relatively cheap way to progress.

What would you say your strengths are in math? That might be a clue to the best route to take. For starters, you have maturity, perseverence, and intellectual curiosity. In my experience teaching math, those are tremendous assets. Any others? Do you like to do puzzles? Are you conscientious about details? You might have a lot going for you.

Whatever route you take, if you can see it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, that will help you. (I realize under the circumstances you might not be in the mood to see it that way.) After all, if you learn to handle algebra, that opens up a lot of areas that were closed to you before.

At any rate, all the best in your efforts.

 

Oh, yes, almost forgot, there's also the Internet: lots and lots of algebra and other math materials available: tutorials, software, free textbooks.

Check the free online course thread that should be near the top of this forum. There are some urls in the MS in Finance thread, too.

 

Princeton Review CLEP book - Princeton Review CLEP book - Princeton review CLEP book.

It's easy. If something is not easy enough, check back here for appropriate supplementary help.

-Orson

 

You might consider some intensive tutoring geared towards a CLEP or DANTES exam, depending what Governor's State will accept for their math requirement. After some tutoring and practice exams, you should have a very good idea whether you will pass the actual exam.

 

Try Louisiana State University's Independent Study Program at (www.is.lsu.edu). They have several math classes that may suit your needs. At $229 per class, it's hard to beat.

 

First, let me say congratulations on earning your AA - and your resolve to keep going further is admirable!

On re-reading your post, I'm thinking: CLEP testing does have a time limit. This increases difficulty level, not to mention psychological pressure. But given a learning disability (which is commonly involved in a history of Special Education), I'm pretty sure it can be waved or extended. Why not check with Coastline Community College or else the advisors with Governors State University? I'm sure they have information about this.


Of course, there are typically hurdles to getting such exemptions. Program advisors are schooled in knowing what they are and what they require. Options are always good to have!

-Orson

 

I am curious about this as well.. I have a horrendous math disability. It's affected all areas of my life in a very negative way.. I've gone through a battery of tests and I'm placed in the bottom 1% of North Americans as far as mathematical ability is concerned.. really depressing.

I want to earn a BSc in Business from Excelsior (by submitting cleps) but the math requirement is going to kill me, I'm sure of it.

The entire purpose of getting the BSc was to enable me to travel abroad and work legally, so I chose the cleps route in order to get the degree done quickly.

But this math thing.. I don't know what I am going to do about it. I'm not sure any amount of studying will get me past the math courses.

What can I do?

 

Here are some helpful sites:

www.purplemath.com

http://www.curiousmath.com/

http://www.learner.org/exhibits/dailymath/

http://www.ams.org/mathmoments/

http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/lrnres/handouts.html

http://www.cut-the-knot.org/content.shtml

http://www.algebrahelp.com/

http://home.earthlink.net/~djbach/lessons.html

http://math.usask.ca/emr/menu.html

http://www.mathgoodies.com/homework/

http://www.mathgoodies.com/homework/

http://math.arizona.edu/~www-main-2002/software/azmath.html

http://www.jamesbrennan.org/algebra/

http://www.visualfractions.com/

http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/index.htm

http://www.freemathhelp.com/forum/

http://www.jcoffman.com/Algebra2/lecture.htm

http://www.math911.com/


I hope some of these help, good luck!

 

I am in somewhat the same position. No matter how many ways I try to approach math, my brain just doesn't allow it penetrate.

It even effected the degree I am pursuing, a BS in Liberal Studies from Excelsior, since there is only a 2 or 3 credit math requirement. I am fullfilling that requirement from what I consider the easist math course in the world at the college level that will fullfill this requirement, Excelsior's very own College Math. It is even affecting my consideration for a graduate program. I, too, wanted an MBA, but I am now reconsidering because of the Quanititave Reasoning, Statistics, Accounting and Finance courses that are required for most MBAs. I just do not enjoy curling up with a good math book and studying...it is so uninteresting to me.

If some other aspect of business interests you, such as Human Resources Management, Leadership, Project Management, or General Management, you should go ahead and pursue it. It all depends on what your ultimate goal is. Let us know, and we can help you more...


Rhonda