Room Change.. I don't know where to go

Today I was greeted in my normal room not by physics students but by a group of Japanese Ambassadors.  I scooted out of the room but do not know where to go.  If you see this and know where I should be, please help me.   If not I will be in the Austrian room until 5:45.  Thanks!



UPDATE: I need to be in Allen Hall.. I'm on my way

Webassign is a pain

The webassign problems are a real pain. The students and even myself were having some trouble with them. Have to really remember what their asking for (cm NOT meters) haha. But overall it was a good sessions I was able to help out the 2 students I had and complete their homework

Today was rough!  Had to recall the quadratic formula for one of the homework questions! We worked it out, though :)

Exam 1 Thoughts and concerns

So the students just had their first exam (well just got it back) and were not happy with their results. They informed me that the average was really low- in the 50's and that there was a curve. Consequently, they were very concerned about their grades since those grades are basically failing for a normally curved class. I told the couple of students at my session to relax and just focus on the material and doing better the next time around. They will be getting their exams back soon so we can discuss it together and discuss strategies on how to do better next time around.

The homework never ends

homework. homework. homework. everyone always asks about homework. sometimes i get tired of questions about homework.

Mid-semester Lull

I expected to have more students at my office hours this week because exam scores were posted and the average was lower than expected, however no one came. I chalk this up to the "mid-semester" lull many students face and begin to lose motivation after midterms and in anticipation of Thanksgiving break. 

Nour 

Take a Deep Breath

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Now, with students down to the bare minimum, don't get discouraged! Instead take the time to work on your own projects or sit back and give your brain a break.

Here are a few developments you can chew on if you have the time:

End-of-the-Semester Party

Everyone rushes home as soon as the winter break begins and the week before that, FINALS loom. So, here is the question I pose. Would you prefer your cake the Friday before Thanksgiving, November 22nd, or December 6th, the last day of classes? Post your vote in the comments below. And while gluten-free cake is beyond my budget to bake, I can certainly make an eggless one.

Video Promotional

The week before Thanksgiving, you will have the option to be interviewed via video camera during your office hours. I will ask questions concerning your experience with the UTA Program and why you think it should stay in existence. Don't be shy! This is a good opportunity to bolster your internet presence for future employers and graduate schools.

If you have any more ideas to help spread the word about the UTA Program, please let me know!

Best,
Hannah Sweetser

Post Exam Thoughts

So what I heard from many of the students, was that they all felt the exam was really hard. I response to this I think I'm going to have every office hour have a really hard question related to the week's topic to prepare them better for the exam. I'm going to use the challenge problems in different text book for a source of question. Anyone is welcomed to borrow it if they want! 

Sean

Half Way There

I have a feeling that the students who attend my recitation are going to be a bit more on edge than normal.  I have heard circulating rumors that the exam grades are lower than expected, although nothing has been confirmed.  I am hoping that the people who have been keeping on top of their work and completing the homework have done sufficiently well.  

With the semester half way over, the pressure is on. 

The Numbers Drop

After September's extra credit and the October exams, it has become a 1 person per night max. It becomes tiring as I sit in a room for an hour and a half hoping to help someone but nothing seems to develop. Oh well, looks like I'm gonna get more studying in now.

Final Remarks on 1st Exam Preparation Last Week

Last week seemed to be a very tense week for the students since it was the night before their first exam. They believed to be still struggling with some basic concepts such as 2D kinematics and tension forces still. We reviewed the web assign problems to make sure that they understand that material since it is relevant to the class (clearly!) and hopefully the test. I made the students reassured that they will do a great job and knock this first exam out of the ball park!

Comments on Exam and this Adjusted Hours this Week

Hey everyone,

First, I figured I would mention that I texted a few students who are my regulars, and they thought the exam had gone fairly well (though I suppose it would have helped more to post that quite a few days ago haha).  Also, this week I had to adjust my hours because I am not in Oakland today or Thurs. (with a 2 hour commute, it did not seem like it was worth keeping the usual hours when my commute is double the hours I would be there).  I get the feeling all the students are happy to be done with their exam!

Karl

EXAMS ARE OVER

CONGRATULATIONS OF SURVIVING EXAM WEEK EVERYONE!

Just helped students with practice exam questions!  I think a concept students coming in this year have had a problem with is kinematics equations and when to use them.  It wasn't a big focus in lectures, but it seems to come up often in practice problems.  Anyone else notice this?

midterms begin

Midterms are officially upon us.  And as the tests approach, I predict UTA office hours will be a little more full than usual.  Hopefully all the students can get their questions answered and be prepared by test day. Good luck everyone!

Midterms

My last week's session was another fun blast, but a more serious tone this time since the students were preparing for their midterms. I was able to help them gain a fine understand on centripetal motion and the forces behind it. Also, it seems that the students want a deeper understanding than just knowing the numbers to a particular problem-chug and plug! I find that to be really super and can't wait for the next Tuesday!

Teaching, and Students

I actually had lot of students to come to my office hour to solve their homework problem. They are not extremely hard, but not easy either. Also, students are really worried about their first midterm. I hope they do well.

Actually Teaching

For a couple of weeks I've only had one student come in regularly. We'll work through the homework problems as well as some in-class questions and past quiz questions. It's really nice to see his progress as he learns how to think about the questions himself and needs my help less and less.

I doubled my class size!

Hey everyone,

Through the semester I have only seen one student, she comes in every week for the full 3 hours. On Monday I had not just her, but another student drop in! However, I do think the number of students coming to my offices hours is going to steadily increase as the first midterm approaches.

Midterms

Reading all of your posts is incredibly encouraging! Just the fact that this program is able to help one student achieve a better understanding is physics makes it worth the sitting in hard chairs 3 hours a week. At least with midterms now you can take a break from attending class.

Now that midterms are coming and going, some students may want to take a break from attending your sessions. Maybe, maybe not. I wanted to make this post so that you know that even if people stop attending your sessions after the midterm for a bit, they will be back. After all, there is still a final looming ahead of them in December.

Other than that, keep up the good work! I am hoping to provide all of you with cake at the end of the term. Any requests on what flavors?

Best,
Hannah

Two students just came to office hours, and we helped them with torque! Got to brush up on my knowledge of it as well :)

success

just helped two lovely ladies with some torque problems! feels great to make an impact!