MATH 142: Business Math
II
Fall 2009
Random Questions asked 1st day of class (9/1/09)
What percent of students get A's on average?
12 to 15 percent
Are your daughters current students?
No, Jen graduated in '99, and Tracy in '99 and '02.
What is your favorite color?
Blue
How far in advance will the homework be put up on the website?
Probably a week at a time.
Will scantrons be required for tests?
Probably not.
If we are not good at math, are we going to fail?
No, those who do not do the homework, or ask questions are more likely to fail.
What would be the most effective way to communicate with you?
e-mail (marcia@tamu.edu) or stop by the office!
Have you ever lived outside the U.S.?
Yes, I lived in Germany from '57 to '60, and toured France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. I also visited South Korea in '87 for three weeks while my husband was stationed there for a one year remote tour. I have also visited Canada, the Azores, and Mexico.
How many quizzes are we going to have and is there any chance of dropping more than one low quiz grade?
Lots, and yes.
Where did you most enjoy living out of your 42 residences?
College Station
Favorite football team
Aggie's of course. I am a guest coach of the football team for the game against Utah State, Sept 19th. WHOOP!
If I haven't taken 141 will this be more difficult?
Absolutely NOT
How long are exams?
75 minutes
Does Math 142 build off of Math 141 or is it mostly new concepts?
No, it is new skills.
What is your ethnicity?
English, Scottish
How long is the final?
2 hrs
What is your favorite part of A&M?
Definitely the STUDENTS!
How hard does this class get?
If you don't stay awake in class, or do the homework, it becomes IMPOSSIBLE!
Are the week in reviews posted online?
YES
What happens if you get caught with a cell phone?
You may be asked to leave the class so as not to distract your classmates or me, or if its during a quiz or test, you could get a zero on the assignment.
Are the week in reviews only on Sunday?
Yes, except for the final exam review.
Do you recommend outside tutoring?
No, I recommend asking me questions (in office or via email), or going to the free help sessions, and the week in reviews.
Do you care if we use a pen in this class?
YES, I prefer a pencil.
You said the Student Solution Guide is not mandatory. Would you suggest it?
NO
How many kids do you have?
3, Mike is an F-16 fighter pilot in the US Air Force, Tracy is a veterinarian (class of '99 & '02), and Jen was a chemist (class of '99) before her death last October.
How often do we have quizzes?
Once or twice a week.
Do you think I can still be successful without having taken 141 yet?
YES
On word problems must we do all 5 steps or is 4 or 3 okay?
Fewer steps receive full credit if enough steps are shown to seem logical.
If we have problems with online homework, who should we contact?
For technical problems, there is an online help button. For questions on how to work the problems, ask me.
What is the most interesting story you have regarding math/calculus regarding students/class/practical application?
I was contacted by a gentleman about estimating the area of his land bordered by a river, and asked if there was a way to find the area using calculus.
Do we get to do test corrections on exams for extra points to raise our grade?
NO
What is your philosophy with athletes in your class? I know some teachers don't like them, so I was just wondering.
I am interested in what ALL my students are active in, whether it be sports, Corps, clubs, favorite hobbies, or just visiting with them.
What is your favorite Aggie tradition?
When we first moved here in '95, it was greeting folks with "Howdy". Later, when the twins help build the bonfire for '95 and '96, I was really impressed with that tradition. Silver taps are very moving, the Aggie Rings (impressive), Reveille (one of my favorites), Midnight Yell (you have to experience this to believe it), Big Event (find out about this opportunity to give back to others), Elephant Walk, and most impressive MUSTER. April 21st each year the Aggies honor any former student who has died in the past year. This spring, Secretary of Defence Robert Gates spoke and it was very moving. In the course of your four/five yrs here try to experience each of these special traditions.
Will there ever be online teaching?
No, there are online video which repeat my lecture from class, and streaming videos to review for exams, but never to replace my class lecture.
Where is the coolest place you lived?
Alaska ;-)
Will the tests come from notes only or notes and textbook?
Notes, quizzes, online homework, suggested homework.
Will there be quizzes every week?
No, exam weeks there will probably not be a quiz.
What made you decide to teach math?
A summer Sunday School class I taught. I knew I loved teaching.
Where do you sit at football games.
Different places.
What did your children major in?
Finance (USAFA), Chemistry (TAMU) and Biomedical Science (TAMU).
How many questions on tests and quizzes?
Varies
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel, play with grandchildren, play bridge, cook, read, play games on the computer, chat on Facebook!
What is the cost of the access code?
Between $15 and $20.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a nine and a half year old male sheltie named Shamus.
Out of 42 places you have lived, excluding College Station, where has been your favorite to live?
Germany
Other than A&M, what was your favorite place to teach?
University of New Mexico (1988)
When will we know about the Help Sessions?
As soon as the personnel are selected.
If we live out of state and would like to move our third exam, are we allowed to take it early so we'll have more time at home?
No, sorry, not possible.
Is the textbook mandatory?
No, you can use the textbook on reserve at the library. Be sure it is the 11th edition.
What is the format for exams?
Multiple choice, fill in the blank, true/false, work out, graph.
How many students are taking this course?
887 students Fall 09
How many quizzes total for the semester and do you drop any grades?
Lots, and yes.
Where are you from/hometown?
I was born in Tucson, AZ. Then I moved to California, Alaska, Arizona, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Germany, Texas, Arizona, California, South Dakota, Alabama, South Dakota, Mississippi, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Indiana, Texas.
Does this class involve any calculus for business?
YES
Are the video lessions like in MATH 141?
NO
What was your favorite class in college?
A Mechanical Engineering class - Human Factors in Space Travel. At the time the US was sending rockets with monkeys in space and the course discussed the cockpit designs to reduce stress on liftoff as we changed from sending monkeys into space to MEN in space (and they meant men).
What is your favorite math course to teach?
MATH 142 or MATH 365
Will we be able to look through our tests before the final?
Yes, you will get your exams back ASAP after the exam, and you should immediately correct any errors, so you will have a VERY GOOD study guide for the final.
Do you wish you graduated from Texas A&M?
Yes
Does a grade of 89.5 through 89.9 round up to an A?
No, UNLESS you volunteer in class to answer questions or have perfect attendance.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, because of the time together with family.
What's an easier math class I could take?
Algebra (MATH 102) is offered if you are toooo rusty in your algebra skills. Your Algebra skills will determine how well you do in this class.
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