Intermediate Algebra
Handling the Fear of Math by Todd Siben
Concerned about the math requirements in your degree? Perhaps it’s been 20 years – or more – since you studied math. Depending on your degree program, fulfilling your math requirement may not be as difficult as you think.
Goodness of Fit
First consider the degree you have chosen and the math requirement for that degree. Ask yourself, “Have I chosen a degree appropriate for my own ability?” For example, since you haven’t studied math in almost 20 years, your math skills may be rusty. Perhaps the last math you studied was algebra, and you passed, but barely. Now you’ve chosen a degree that requires calculus I and II.
Taking that calculus course may require that you first refresh your algebra skills. Then you’ll be better prepared to take the next logical sequence of courses. Math is taught in logical sequences, with concepts built upon previously learned concepts.
Find Your Comfort Level
According to College mentors Ildy and Csaba Boer, “it is better to start with a lower-level math course even if it doesn’t fulfill your degree needs. Students who lack basics often do not succeed when taking a course above their level. Instead of dropping down to a lower-level course, they repeat the higher-level course again, unsuccessfully, wasting both their money and time.”
Consider Your Assets
As a self-directed, mature student, perhaps you are better prepared to study math now than you were years ago. You are more analytical, more disciplined and more driven toward degree completion. So, why be threatened by a math requirement?
Which Math for Your Degree?
Some institutions require algebra for all degrees. Thomas Edison State College offers alternatives. If you have selected a liberal arts or human services degree, the math requirement can usually be satisfied with an “entry level” math such as MAT-105 Applied Liberal Arts Math. Although MAT-105 is a reasonable option, students often choose intermediate or college-level algebra because they’ve heard the word “algebra” before, so it seems more familiar than a course called “Applied Liberal Arts Math.” This fear-of-the-unknown can result in the incorrect choice.
Perhaps you are pursuing a business degree that requires MAT-119 Quantitative Business Analysis. If you wait until the last few courses to complete this requirement, then find you are unable to pass the course and switch to a liberal arts degree with a lower math requirement, you may find that you now need additional credits to earn the new degree. Often this situation can be avoided with a bit of advance planning.
An advisor can help.
Consider your options
Along with the assortment of online math courses we offer, Thomas Edison State College students may utilize exam programs such as CLEP and DANTES (DSST) that offer exams in math and statistics. Some investigate math courses by distance from other schools. Some students just prefer to take math as a classroom course at a local college whenever possible. Also consider that a statistics course can satisfy your math requirement for some degree programs.
Feel free to discuss the options with your academic advisor. In most cases, there are choices that will be a better fit for you, your learning style and your level of capability in math.
Ultimately the choice will not only have an impact on your success but on the amount of antacid and aspirin required to successfully complete the course. Choose wisely!
About the Author
More than 20 years in the field of higher education especially working with non-traditional/adult/distance populations. Extensive work in the field of prior learning assessment and student advisement for degree completion at the undergraduate level. Graduate degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York.
Intermediate Algebra
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