Expectations in a College Math Class

How does taking math in college differ from taking math in high school?

What is your instructor thinking?

Time

In High School

A class like algebra, geometry, or calculus takes a year.

In College

A single class is covered in 10 weeks.

Your instructor wants you to succeed and would love for every student to earn an A.

Attendance

In High School

You are required to go to school every day.

In College

No one will hunt you down if you miss class.

Do not miss the first day or you might be dropped and you’ll miss expectations.

Some take attendance but some never do.

Lecture

In High School

Teachers discuss each topic from the book that you will be tested over.

In College

You are expected to read and learn what is not covered in lecture.

Instructors expect students to read the book. There are topics that will be tested on that the instructor does not have time to discuss in class.

Homework

In High School

Homework was collected and checked. You probably had to correct errors and resubmit your work.

In College

Often homework is not graded. It is left up to you to practice until you feel comfortable with a concept.

Instructors expect students to practice and spend two hours (at least) each night on homework.

Help

In High School

Teachers and aides push students to ask question and come in for help.

In College

It is your responsibility to ask questions and get the help you need.

Instructors expect you to let them know if you are having problems understanding or working with the material. Instructors cannot read your mind. They welcome questions.

In Class

In High School

You were able to work on homework during class.

In College

Homework is done on your own time. Expect 2 to 3 hours of homework for every hour of class.

Instructors know you cannot learn without practice. Success depends on your effort.

Exams

In High School

Each test covered a small body of material. You could often work until you were done.

In College

You take fewer tests that cover much more material. Tests are often timed.

Instructors in our transfer courses have the same expectations as instructors at four-year colleges. If the instructor seems "tough," it’s because he or she wants you to be well prepared when you transfer to a four-year college.

Missed Exam

In High School

You had to take the test another day or during lunch.

In College

You will most likely earn 0 points and are rarely offered a make-up test.

Instructors expect you to show up and be ready to take the test. There will be a make-up or retest policy stated in the syllabus.

Extra Credit

In High School

Teachers often give extra credit for attendance, turning in signed forms, or getting work done on time.

In College

Extra credit is rare and varies by instructor.

Instructors expect you to work hard to earn the credit that is available.

Instructors Expect You To

Read the syllabus and textbook. Attend class. Contact him/her if you miss class. Get your work done on time. Get to class on time and stay until the end. Avoid texting or using a laptop during class. Ask for help when you have a question. Use your resources to be successful.

Adjust Your Expectations Learning math is hard work.

Expect to struggle with some problems.

Know that some problems might take a whole page to solve.

Expect to draw figures.

Know that mistakes happen, so learn from them.