- Jun 28, 2004
- 8,369
- 20,985
Calculus is the only class that I failed but when I took it again I was very focused and the professor was good at explaining the overall concept as well asthe arithmetic of it all. I got a decent grade and moved forward with my academic life.
When you know the general concept of a derivative, for instance, it is easier to understand and to work through it as opposed to memorizing nothing but roteformulae and processes. Nonetheless, calculus is, for most people and even some very smart people, something that takes time and effort in order to even findcompetence, let alone mastery. Also, many college students were smart enough to get good grades, without much study and dedication, in high school and otherintroductory level college course so that bright but undisciplined student is in for a nasty surprise when he or she undertakes to learn the rudiments ofNewton's mathematical principles. If you did not usually study before you take calculus, it can be tough simply to be humble and patient enough to, for thefirst time in your academic career, admit that you need to spend several hours every week in order to perhaps only get a "C" or at most a"B."
When you know the general concept of a derivative, for instance, it is easier to understand and to work through it as opposed to memorizing nothing but roteformulae and processes. Nonetheless, calculus is, for most people and even some very smart people, something that takes time and effort in order to even findcompetence, let alone mastery. Also, many college students were smart enough to get good grades, without much study and dedication, in high school and otherintroductory level college course so that bright but undisciplined student is in for a nasty surprise when he or she undertakes to learn the rudiments ofNewton's mathematical principles. If you did not usually study before you take calculus, it can be tough simply to be humble and patient enough to, for thefirst time in your academic career, admit that you need to spend several hours every week in order to perhaps only get a "C" or at most a"B."
