Darrah Walker
Lantern Staff
Like most students, math does not come easy to me, so coming to college and taking college algebra was not something I looked forward to doing. I was expecting the normal 16-week college course and textbook work.
When the first day of math started, students were immediately instructed to sign into a math software called Hawkes and were lectured on how there was a chance that after five-weeks we’ll see another instructor. As confusing as it is to explain properly, Butler started a new math program where each section is taught in a five-week period. If students pass a section, they proceed to the next section for another five-weeks. If students fail, they re-take the course.
It is my first time taking math modules. My experiences so far have not gone well. The class spends the same amount of time in the math modules as in a normal 16-week course, but I still feel rushed. There is no time to work at my own pace and no time to take an extra day on a lesson. Understanding that this is Butler’s first semester experimenting with modules, I feel that there is plenty of room for improvement.
I’m aware that in the past instructors had the option to either teach a class with their notes using a textbook that’s in front of them or use Hawkes. I am aware that there are some instructors that take advantage of Hawkes and don’t take time to properly lecture the class. Hawkes often teaches the material differently, and students are paying to be taught by online software.
As I am one of many students that likes being taught face-to-face, I find it difficult to understand the material I am assigned to. I’ve had to learn to adjust and accept the fact that the course is mostly online, and that the best way to understand the subject is to go to my instructor and ask for a step by step process. Even though Hawkes has a step-by-step section, nothing beats being taught face-to-face. Luckily for me, this semester I was put in a class with an instructor who is patient and helpful.
I am aware that putting together the math modules took hard work and effort for Butler. I give credit to them and appreciate all their hard work for trying to make it easier and less expensive for students to complete the math requirements. I’m one of many students who dislikes the program, but there are students who enjoy the program and its changes as well.