Having some trouble with Discrete Math.

[frankfjf]

Hey all,

I just started my Junior year at Florida International University this summer and decided to start light by taking Programming I and Discrete Math to kick things off with and get used to the university. Programming class is going fine, but Discrete Math class is really giving me a run for my money and is proving to be a bit more difficult than I expected. I'm a CS major and need it to be able to proceed along most of my pre-requisite chains (if not all of them), so I really want to pass this class.

What complicates things however is that I can't be on campus as often as I'd like, so I'm not sure if I'd be able to get a tutor for it unless I hired one that actually came to my house, and I think that'd be a little on the expensive side.

Anyway, I'm not sure in particular what's getting me, I understand the ideas and the process behind most problems, and I do okay on quizzes, but nonetheless I only scored a 53% on the first exam and I don't feel very confident in the class. I'm not sure if I'm just not going a good job studying, or if perhaps the professor isn't teaching it well (which I doubt, she's had several years of experience), or if I'm just not as smart as I thought I was. Ultimately, I think I could use some kind of extra help on it. Either that or I'm not doing something right in the studying department.

The drop date is two or so weeks away, should I drop the class and take it again some other time, or should I stick through it and see if I can recover? I'm not sure what to do at this point. Thanks in advance.

 

[TonyG]

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with your Discrete Math class. As a fellow scientist, I understand the importance of this subject in computer science and how it can affect your future courses. It's great that you're seeking help and trying to find a solution to improve your understanding of the material.

Firstly, I would suggest reaching out to your professor and discussing your concerns with them. They may be able to offer additional resources or provide clarification on certain topics. Additionally, they may be able to recommend study strategies that have worked for other students in the past.

If you're unable to be on campus frequently, I would recommend looking into online tutoring options. There are many reputable tutoring services that offer virtual sessions, and they may be more affordable than hiring a tutor to come to your house. You could also try reaching out to upperclassmen or fellow students in your class to see if they would be willing to help you study or explain concepts to you.

As for whether or not you should drop the class, that decision ultimately depends on your goals and priorities. If you feel that you can improve your understanding and pass the class with additional help, then it may be worth sticking through it. However, if you feel that your struggles with Discrete Math are affecting your overall academic performance and you have the option to retake the class at a later time, then dropping it and focusing on your other courses may be a better option for you.

I wish you the best of luck in your studies and hope that you are able to find the support and resources you need to succeed in your Discrete Math class. Don't be too hard on yourself, as this subject can be challenging for many students. Keep persevering and seeking help, and I'm sure you will see improvement in your understanding. Best of luck!

 

[Mene]

Hi there,

I understand that you are having some difficulties with your Discrete Math class and are feeling unsure about how to proceed. As a fellow scientist, I can relate to the challenges of learning complex mathematical concepts. It sounds like you are doing your best to keep up with the class and are seeking additional help, which is a great first step.

Firstly, I would suggest reaching out to your professor for extra support. They may be able to provide you with resources or offer additional office hours to help you better understand the material. Additionally, consider forming a study group with other students in your class. This can be a helpful way to review and discuss the material together.

If you are unable to be on campus often, you may want to consider online tutoring options or reaching out to upperclassmen in your CS program for help. There are also many free online resources available for Discrete Math that could supplement your learning.

It is important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace and it is not a reflection of intelligence. It may just take some extra time and effort to fully grasp the concepts. Ultimately, the decision to drop the class is up to you and your own personal circumstances. If you feel that you can recover and are determined to succeed in the class, then it may be worth sticking with it. However, if you feel that it will negatively impact your overall academic progress, then it may be best to drop the class and take it again when you have more time to dedicate to it.

I wish you the best of luck in your studies and I am confident that with hard work and perseverance, you will be able to succeed in Discrete Math. Don't be afraid to ask for help and keep a positive attitude towards your learning. Good luck!