Spring 2013
STAT 414, section 002: Introduction to Probability Theory
| Suggestions that I hope will help you suceed in this course | ||
| 1. | Attend class every day. In class, your instructor highlights essential material in each section, gives examples, and encourages students' questions and discussion. |
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| 2. | Prepare for class by reading the text in advance. Even if you cannot follow all of the details, a first reading will help orient you for the lecture and give you a chance to formulate your own questions for the instructor. |
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| 3. | Do the homework. You should not expect to pass this course unless you have solved all assigned problems completely and accurately. |
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| 4. | Don't get behind. Mathematics and statistics courses, like language courses, are cumulative, and build on material already covered. |
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| 5. | Realize that problem solving consists of two steps: - discovering how to solve a problem, and - writing up the solution in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Both of these steps are essential; be sure to allocate enough time for each. |
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| Avoid common mistakes: | ||
| 6. | Don't ask for an extra-credit activity if you have performed poorly on homework or exams.
Instead, come see me as soon as problems arise so that we can discuss the course material as well as study strategies, time management, and any other factors that may be affecting your performance in the course. |
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| 7. | Don't cheat. The minimum penalty for cheating is a failing grade in the course. | |
| 8. | Don't assume that a vague understanding of a problem is sufficient. Mathematics/statistics is about careful, correct, step-by-step reasoning. |
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