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Did you sign up to take Calculus and now you’re wondering… What have I gotten myself into? 😱
Jenn, Founder Calcworkshop®, 15+ Years Experience (Licensed & Certified Teacher)
Or, maybe you’re brimming with excitement over the prospect of starting your new course… Either way, how can you get the results that you want?
Well, honestly, it’s easier than you think! Allow me to walk you through the ABCs of How to Pass Calculus:
- 💡Amp up – Prior knowledge
- 💪 Beef up – Work Habits
- Conjure up – Positive Attitude
These ABCs will get you started, keep you going, and help ensure that you pass even if the going gets tough!
A: Amp up Your Prior Knowledge
Like any new endeavor that you may pursue when preparing for a new class, you need the proper foundation.
Since the most common calculus mistakes I see in homework and on tests are actually Algebra and Trigonometry errors, you need to determine your strengths and weaknesses prior to starting the course.
It’s been my experience that students are able to take a derivative or an integral, but knowing how to simplify these is often the key to getting correct solutions.
So, be sure you have mastered these five major skills:
- Algebra Manipulation
- Solving Algebraic Equations
- Graphing and Evaluating Functions
- Simplifying and Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
- Evaluating and Solving Trig Functions
It falls on you to be proactive! Research and practice these Algebra and Trig skills; this will prove to be time well spent.
Additionally, prepare your own notes as you investigate the techniques mentioned above. You will be able to quickly refer back to them when needed as you progress through both your class.
Doing this prep work, amping up your prior knowledge, gets you started off on the right foot.
So what’s next?
B: Beef up Your Work Habits
So, by reviewing your prior knowledge, you will be committing to the course. This shows that you are willing to work. And that is fantastic!
With the start of Calculus comes the start of a new school year or semester.
Maybe this is your first time living on your own, away from home. While you want to have new experiences and enjoy yourself – find balance.
- Daily Dose of Calc: Carve out a chunk of time to spend on Calculus every day – that’s right, every day!
- Beyond Assignments: Just because you have completed an assignment (yes! You must complete all assignments on time, or even early), don’t stop there! Get out your textbook and find some more problems to do. Your textbook is full of worked-out examples, problems with answers at the back of the book, and cumulative review sections.
- Embrace the Easy: Also, do not skip problems that seem easy – practice like it’s a test.
- Tech-savvy: Be sure you know what kind of technology/calculator is accepted by your instructor and practice using it as well.
- Note-taking Ninja: Get in the habit of reworking your notes after class and make sure you understand the concepts and examples. It’s important to work out the examples from start to finish. Often, in the interest of time, your professor will set up a problem and move on to the next, assuming you know how to finish it. Unfortunately, the most common mistakes are those finishing touches, particularly those pesky algebra and trig skills.
- Help-seeking Hero: Don’t be afraid to seek extra help when it’s needed. Meet with your instructor and/or seek out tutoring services. It’s a sign of maturity to ask for help, not a weakness.
- Study Squad: From the get-go, find two or three students from class to work with and form a study group. Talking over problem sets and working together not only helps you with understanding and retention but also makes the process more enjoyable!
How to Pass Calculus – Checklist
Enjoying the process leads you to have a positive attitude.
C: Conjure up a Positive Attitude
A positive attitude – huh?
Does this come as a surprise to you? It just might… this idea of a positive attitude is often overlooked but trust me when I tell you it’s crucial!
I have found that students with a positive attitude tend to accept responsibility and are willing to seek help if and when it is needed.
More importantly, they don’t let a bad day or a low grade define them.
Rather, instead of getting down, a positive attitude allows you to motivate yourself to work harder and test your resolve.
When I’m talking about a positive attitude, I’m not referring to an over-enthusiastic or cocky type of person – so don’t despair – you don’t need to change your personality!
It’s how you feel inside and your reaction to what comes your way. Believing in yourself and trusting your hard work is positive thinking.
Positive thinking leads to perseverance and grit. You need grit for good grades!
Embrace the ABCs for Calculus Success
Ahh, good grades, music to your ears!
After all, you need good grades to pass right.
I challenge you to follow the ABCs. I’m sure you will agree an A, B, or C grade is passing… so, follow the ABCs to earn your A, B, or C grade and you will pass Calculus!
You can do it!
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