Instructions

Every student has a different experience in their class. At the same time, students have a lot in common. For instance, most students say they feel really confused sometimes, but, eventually, most students learn a lot and they understand math better than they did before.

We need your help explaining why this may be true for students in your class. First, read a message from a past student who took this class. Second, write your own brief message to help future students understand this idea.

One Quote From a Past Student

Before taking this class, I had taken regular stats about 3 times at 2 different colleges. It was a painful experience. I always got confused in the same area. At the beginning of the course, I felt scared because it was my last try at the class and I didn't want to fail again. That's when I began to really get involved in the class and asking any questions if I was confused. In the past I was always afraid to ask questions because I was concerned about what other students would think of me. I didn't want to feel "stupid." But I believe it’s normal to get confused and need to ask questions because your brain is learning new ways of thinking. Every time I ask questions, my brain is getting smarter at math. Now, I felt more confident in the class. This course saved my college career. I was able to really understand what was going on in the material.

I'll be the first to admit that I struggle in math, but this class has given me a different way to think about what it means when I’m confused. The course is laid out so we continuously go over how to solve a problem in multiple steps. It's like climbing to the top of the mountain; you take small steps to reach the goal. You have to be patient and constantly try new strategies when things aren’t working, but eventually you get there.

Now It’s Your Turn

Not all students know that it’s common to be confused from time to time in your class but that it usually gets better as they keep trying and asking questions. We need your help explaining this idea to next year’s students.

Please write a brief note that explains:

Why it’s normal to get confused sometimes when you are learning statistics / math concepts,
Why it’s normal to eventually understand something better if you ask for help from people, use good strategies, and keep trying.

Please illustrate your answer using examples from your own experiences in the class. For instance, explain how it might have been confusing when you moved from one topic to another that you didn't understand as well. Also remind students what you know about the brain—that the brain is like a muscle that can grow and develop when you challenge it.

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