- How often can I expect Algebra homework?
- How much algebra homework should I expect?
- How often will we be having tests and quizzes?
- Will my homework be graded?
- What if I just really "don't get it"?
- Why do we need to learn this and when will we ever use it?
- Will I have to take Algebra 1 again in high school?
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How often can I expect Algebra homework?
You can expect homework every night. I will try, if possible, not to give
weekend homework.
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How much algebra homework should I expect?
It is all about the quality not the quantity. You don't need to do 25
problems for me to see if you have a good understanding of the lesson.
Depending on the lesson, you will usually have six to eight practice
problems.
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How often will we be having tests and quizzes?
There will be a test at the end of each chapter. You will always have
several days notice before a test. Expect one or two quizzes for each
chapter. You will usually know a day or two ahead before a quiz - I VERY
RARELY, if ever, give a pop quiz.
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Will my homework be graded?
You will know ahead of time if I am taking a grade on homework. You will be
expected to complete all homework every night. The grade will be given based
on whether or not you completed your assignment for that night rather than
how many you got right or wrong. I believe that algebra homework should be
an opportunity to practice what we did that day in class. It is our chance
to find out if you need more work on that lesson. Mistakes are fine - when we
find them, we will fix them! I will be looking for the effort put forth.
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What if I just really "don't get it"?
See me as soon as possible! Don't ever be afraid to come to me with
questions. If you let it go, it becomes very difficult to catch up. I can't
always be a mind reader (although, I try to be as often as possible), so you
need to let me know if you are confused with something we are working on.
Usually it will take just a few minutes to get you straightened out and you
will be on your way.
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Why do we need to learn this and when will we ever use it?
Algebra is simply problem solving and you will use your basic algebra skills
every day for the rest of your life. Most of the time you won't even realize
that you are actually using the skills you learned - it just becomes so
natural. Some of what we will be doing may not be something you will use on
a regular basis - it will depend on what career you choose in life. I can
promise you this, however ---you will definitely need everything we will do
this year for the math that you will need to take in high school and
college. That should be at least some incentive.
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Will I have to take Algebra 1 again in high school?
Everyone is different and everyone learns at different rates. For some of
you, this will come very easily and you will have no problem moving on to a
higher level math in high school. Some of you may feel more comfortable in
taking Algebra again in high school. I will help you with your decisions
when we get close to the end of the year and you are deciding on schedules
for high school. Just do your best and we will worry about that much later
on this year!
