Differential Equations at UCF

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Author: Mike

Taking Differential Equations at UCF with Dr Qi has been and still is being one of the most difficult things to handle.  It seems that this professor is consistantly thinking that we are already as good at Calc 2 and algebra as he is. 

To top on that, prior to our test the Dr says that we are not going to get an Curve Balls.  Well we took the test and all of the questions were packed with Calc 2 stuff and Algebra Equations.  The Homework asigned, which is not collected, was nothing like the test.  All the problems were half the difficulty.  STRIKE ONE!  I Swung and Missed, Scoring a horrible 50% on that test.

I spoke with that Dr. later on and he just stated that we should know all of the material.  So, knowing that I probably should have done better and that there are more tests Ahead to fix our grades on I set out to get really good at Differential Equations.

I did all my homework for the following sections and understood it like I had with the pervious test we took.  I studied the hardest Problems instead of the ones asigned in homework.  I took the test, and Well.. STRICK TWO!  I'm not really sure what My grade is as of yet but It is probably something like a 75% or 70% being Conservative.

The problem I'm having is that I understand the material. I know the formulas and equations but I can only remember so much math and prepare so much that I just cant handle it anymore.  To take this Professor I have to be a Perfect Test Taker in Calculus 1, 2, 3 and Algebra, then I have to make sure that I know the New stuff from Differential Eqations.  Sigh...

I have been trying, I can see an improvement but I'm running out of time.  I cannot withdraw knowing that I cannot handle this teacher and his lack of preparing his students for the upcomming tests, due to this class being a CoRequesite. 

My only option is to step up to the plate and hope to hit one out of the park on the 3rd then The Final Tests. 

The major problem I have about this test being so difficult is that he knocks off pretty harsly for making simple mistakes, when in his own teaching he makes mistake that we find and correct.

I guess it all goes back to the Saying, "Those who Can't Do Teach, Those who can't teach teach P.E." 

I think this only partly works for the teacher.  You see, he can't teach but he can do.  I guess people who can do, should go do and let people who can teach teach.  I hope that makes sense. 

Well I have two more test and In hope that I get 75% or higher on both to just get my C in the class.  It might actually be higher then that but Thats more like what I'm searching for.

mjsmikey commented on 27 Feb 2007, 22:22:21
To Top off the Whole thing... Turns out that It worked out for me After all... the Teacher Ended up Dropping our Lowest Test Grade. WOW... I was totally Confused. He claims he never does that, but did for just this special Case. Anyway... I Actually Ended up getting a B in the Class... Not really sure what Actual Numerical Score but Somewhere between 80 and 89. I just Guess all that Complaining for Nothing... Anyway it helps get it off my Chest.