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Garrette
SFN Regular
USA
562 Posts |
 Posted - 01/08/2002 : 03:54:50
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I'm helping a friend who just began a statistics course as a requirement for completion of her Masters (in Early Childhood Development).
She easily has the mental capacity to handle statistics, but she hates math and hasn't dealt with it since high school in any rigorous form, and she's panicking.
I'm looking for two things to help her out:
1. The calculator she is required to get. It must include an 'order of operations' function, but there are no other requirements. If it has too many buttons and weird things on it, she'll freak. Anybody know of a decent, cheap one?
2. A book to help her out when her textbook and instructor are too obtuse (she's had one class, and it's already happened).
Thanks
My kids still love me.
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Badger
Skeptic Friend
Canada
257 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2002 : 09:16:26 [Permalink]
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Garrett, I can't recommend a specific calculator, but you might want to check out places that sell used ones. They'd be cheaper than new. Don't hesitate to go to pawn shops.
I would also recommend a tutor. If she's panicking already, a good tutor should be able to step through things slowly and in enough depth to allay her panic, and help her get her confidence back.
Just because we're hypnotized, that don't mean we can't dance. - Tonio K. |
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Garrette
SFN Regular
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2002 : 09:37:21 [Permalink]
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Thanks, Badger; I may check out pawn shops.
But a tutor is out. She prefers a book to slog through on her own instead of someone explaining things to her because then she 'feels stupid', and she's easily the most stubborn person I know. I've seen her try something simple the hard way, tried to explain a better way, and been met with "Nope. Nope. Go away. Just confusing me. Don't want to take the time." It doesn't matter that I can show her another way in less than a minute.
It's okay, though. She hates statistics. I hate olives.
My kids still love me. |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2002 : 14:07:27 [Permalink]
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I suppose walking books are out then. Let me talk to a friend who is currently working on his doctorate in applied mathematics. He shops through the math section of bookstores for fun. He might be able to recommend one for her. Or might explain via internet. He's excited about math so it doesn't make you feel like a complete idiot.
There is no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. It underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've known. Sagan |
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Russ
New Member
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2002 : 17:35:36 [Permalink]
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Garrette:
Walmart & K-Mart both have huge selections of calculators and few cost more than $25 and most are < $10. I wear one out about every six months so I know where to score good calculators.
Also, your friend may want to get one of those math tutor programs for computer. They have them on just about every topic from stats to trig to advanced calc. She can go at her own pace, back track all she wants and won't have to feel stupid because there is nothing more stupid than a computer. You can get them at any of the computer megastores or on line if you dare to put your credit card # on the WWW.
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2002 : 19:33:57 [Permalink]
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quote:
Thanks, Badger; I may check out pawn shops.
But a tutor is out. She prefers a book to slog through on her own instead of someone explaining things to her because then she 'feels stupid', and she's easily the most stubborn person I know. I've seen her try something simple the hard way, tried to explain a better way, and been met with "Nope. Nope. Go away. Just confusing me.
Ah, women.......what are ya goina do? So typical.
I was going to suggest a tutor too, all school have them, that's what they are there for. Sheesh!
If she's looking for a book, how about the simplest answer, ask in the local library. I had to do a report in my philosophy class a few weeks ago and wanted some books.
The libarian was so nice, he looked on the computer and gave me a long list of anything related to the subject. Was even knowlegable about the people on whom I was doing the report.
Your friend needs to take a deep breath. Then sort out the options. Good luck.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Garrette
SFN Regular
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2002 : 04:21:46 [Permalink]
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Many thanks to all the responses.
I got an inexpensive calculator from Target last night. A TI something but with "Statistics" in the name, so it must be good, yes? She seems to like it so far.
Another gentleman on a different forum has recommended a book that he is shipping to me; should go well.
Trish, I'll let you know if the online tutor is needed. Here's the other difficulty: she has no internet access and has only even been on the internet maybe 3 times. This class is requiring her to get on the net, but she has said she wants to do that as little as possible. Oh, well.
The amazing thing about all this is that, because I know her well, I know she will also probably get an A doing it her way, kicking, screaming, and complaining the whole time.
Thanks again.
My kids still love me. |
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