Proper Use of Keys
AP Calculus AB
Remember, you are studying advanced mathematics. While math is easy, some days it is easier than others. This is a calculus class. It will be challenging but manageable if you stay on top of the work.
I would expect calculus students to solve many difficult and challenging problems that would take a long time to explain in class. If I were to go over all of the homework problems each day in class, I would not be able to present the new material very well that day. In addition this situation would seldom allow you to start any calculus homework during the class period. Keys make it possible, on most days, for students to have a significant block of time to work on calculus homework in class. However, keys must be used properly if they are to aid the learning process. Keys are passed out with each assignment and give complete solutions (not just answers which you can find in the back of the book) to many, but not necessarily all, of the homework problems.
In general we will not spend a lot of time in class going over homework. To do so would defeat one of the main purposes of keys, which is to give you time to start your calculus homework in class.
- First, attempt the problem on your own without looking at the key or answer in the back of the book.
- Second, you can use the key to correct careless errors you make in calculations or set-up. (I make the mistakes on the keys sometimes, too, not intentionally, really. So if you really worked the problem, checked your answer, you might discover that the error is mine and not yours. We can resolve it the next day in class.)
- Third, if you made several errors in set-up, study the key until you understand the problem. You may have to go over the key several times before you understand the problem fully.
- Fourth, if you cannot understand the key on your own, you can come in to see me for help. You might want to talk to other students and/or the math tutor about the problems as well.
Most students find some of the problems quite challenging and need to use the key just to learn how to start and sometimes complete the problem. When this happens, you should rework the problem at a later time to make sure that you can solve the problem without the key. One way that you learn anything is to make mistakes and correct them. If you simply copy your homework off the key each night, you will make no errors, but you will also not learn how to do the problems on your own. Remember that the great majority of your course grade is based on tests and quizzes, not homework.
Another major advantage of keys is that they give you immediate feedback on errors rather than waiting for the next day or when homework papers have been graded and passed back.
If you are having difficulty using the key, discovering that you are relying on it too frequently, discuss the problem with me. I will help you formulate a plan for using them wisely.
September 2008