1. Yourself
Yes, you! Students often think they are somehow supposed to know how to
do every thing and get frustrated/scared/confused when they can't
immediately solve a problem. But they are missing the point: our goal
is to get you to think about the assignments and find the necessary
tools yourself that will lead you to an answer/solution/proof. (If you
already know how to do every problem, then you are probably wasting
your time taking this course.) So give yourself time to come up with
your own solutions.
2. The Textbook
You paid a lot of money for it, so there must be a reason. Students
sometimes use their textbook solely as the place to find the homework
assignment, but we guarantee you that, if you know where to find it,
the answer to most of your questions is right there in your textbook.
Part of our mission in this course is for you to learn how to find
answers in a textbook.
3. The Library
Our library has dozens of textbooks for this course, many of them quite
similar to your own textbook. The
explanations/examples/exercises/pictures/proofs in these books might be
just di#erent enough to give you the perspective/help you need.
4. Classmates and Dormmates
We often hear from students that they
find it helpful to work with other students who are taking/have taken
the course. We fully encourage this, but be aware of the Honor Code for
this course!
5. CalcAid
Probably the most popular place to find other students to
work/commiserate/socialize with. And there are Teaching Assistants
there to help/guide you through the learning process. (But no, they
won't do your assignments for you, so don't even ask. They already did
them when they took the course!) CalcAid sessions are held on Sundays,
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm in
Glatfelter 003.
6. Peer Tutoring
Very helpful for those who need/like extra individualized attention.
Stop by Academic Advising.
7. Your Professor
We are here to help and give both encouragement and criticism. Stop by
for a minute to say hi or sit for an hour to work through the lectures
again or attempt the homework. If you have a (simple) question and you
don't feel like putting shoes on, send an email; we usually respond
quickly.
Send me mail: bdoytchi@gettysburg.edu