Is my professor v. fast, or is it normal in colleges?

In summary, the student is concerned about the pace at which their professor is covering material in their math course, which includes topics such as ODEs, PDEs, and complex variables. The student feels they are behind and wonders if this fast pace is normal in college. They also mention their busy schedule, with 13 hours of college each day and 58 hours per week.
  • #1
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Is my professor v. fast, or is it normal in colleges??

My 2nd semester of my college degree has just started. My maths course has

ODE
PDE
Linear Algebra
Eigenvalues and Eigen-vectors
Fourier Series
Laplace Transforms
Complex Variables

So far I bought, GF Simmons(textbook) for differential equations. In a week, I barely managed to finish ch-1, which my prof. did in 1 lecture, that's one hour. In one whole week, that is 3 hours, he finished whole 1st order Linear Equations, and has started 2nd order; which he says he is sure to finish in 2 days.

Now I am, due to my tendency to remain ahead of profs., is very much uncomfortable with it. Strictly speaking, I am way behind him.
The question is "Is my professor going too fast, or is it normal in college?".

The problem is also with my schedule...my college in addition to daily up-down takes 13 hours a day...or 58 hours a week (Friday has only 6 hours to its share).
 
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  • #2
Based on the choice of topics that sounds like a math methods course and most courses of that nature are similarly paced.
 

FAQ: Is my professor v. fast, or is it normal in colleges?

1. Is it normal for professors to speak quickly in college lectures?

Yes, it is normal for professors to speak quickly in college lectures. They have a limited amount of time to cover a large amount of material, so they may speak faster than in a regular conversation.

2. How can I keep up with my professor's fast pace during lectures?

To keep up with your professor's fast pace during lectures, it is important to come to class prepared by reviewing the material beforehand and taking notes during the lecture. You can also ask for clarification or slow down if needed.

3. Is it a sign of a good professor if they speak quickly during lectures?

Not necessarily. The speed at which a professor speaks does not determine their effectiveness as a teacher. What matters is their ability to effectively communicate and engage students with the material.

4. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by my professor's fast speaking pace?

If you feel overwhelmed by your professor's fast speaking pace, it is important to communicate with them and possibly seek additional resources such as tutoring or study groups. It is also important to manage your time effectively and break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks.

5. Are there any benefits to a professor speaking quickly during lectures?

Yes, there can be benefits to a professor speaking quickly during lectures. It can help cover more material in a shorter amount of time and keep students engaged. However, it is important for the professor to also ensure that students understand the material and have opportunities to ask questions or receive clarification.

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