Since I did not take biology and chemistry this semester due to schedule conflicts, I may have had difficulty putting together these concepts as fluently as others, however, I have learned a variety of lessons throughout the spring and the school year as a whole.
What stuck with me the most after the spring semester is the reoccurring trend of using mathematical methods for estimation and modeling in other scientific fields. I knew that mathematics is used in aplenty of disciplines but I didn’t realize how crucial it is for progressing other fields like biology, chemistry, and even computer science which is the field I personally can relate to the most. I understood this best in our Lab 1 and lab 7 in addition to work that was done in the fall semester. In Lab 1 we used algorithms to solve mathematical problems through utilizing existing Riemann sum computations for more accurate approximations. I got to see different methods such as Left and Right Riemann sums, midpoint and trapezoid errors.
My favorite assignment thus far was working with Lab 7. Due to my experience programming in python I felt more comfortable tackling it and it was easier for me to grasp the integrative elements of chemistry with biology. I was able to see how the components of the reaction interact with one another through variables then modeling our results to find the best fit. This was really helpful for me to tie my head around what was happening during an enzymatic reaction.
I started off the spring semester on a bad start to say the least. My overall my productivity over the school year unfortunately declined for a multitude of reasons but that did not cause me to give up. I received a lot more issue marks than revision marks (LT1, LT4) which made it more difficult for me bounce back as easily as I did earlier in the year. It was as if I was doing enough for me to do it yet not enough for me to grasp the understanding that was needed for my checkpoints.
However thanks to what I reflected back in my Fall Final reflection of my first failure, I knew how to handle my setbacks and attempt to work towards success again. I went through office hours and many reassessments but reflecting back on calculus 1 & 2 I wish I had tried tutoring since I learn best when I’m taught on a more personal level. It wasn’t till we had done Journal 2 I realized that my studying habits are not efficient for the results I aim to achieve. I switched up my habits and began to see consistent positive results (LT6, LT8, LT10) all are learning targets where I did not need to revise or reassess around the same time frame of each other.
Despite my decline in productivity, I had an increase in my ability to be able to manage my time and prioritize work and life. What I’m proud of myself the most after finish my first year of college is not having the feeling that I spent too much time working or too much time playing. I feel very balanced with how I invested my time into school and relationships. My growth in self-efficacy primarily grew during calculus 1 and all of it is still applicable to me today. (Fall Final Reflection). Moreover I have been working hard since then to filter out what has been working for me to be successful and what hasn’t. My best method of making sure I’m staying on the right track is doing regular check ins with myself. Similar to how journal 3 is formatted and how I did it back in the fall but evolved. I would sit down to asses my grades, figure out where I’m lacking and how to improve in that area to increase my performance.
When it came to the assignments this time around I attempted to homework and guided studies consistently in the beginning but I eventually fell off it as my work load increased. Leaving most of my strategy for calculus 2 to how I study, actively participating, and demonstration. Although my outcome ended up okay I wish I had done the guided studies consistently like I had done in the fall semester. I would have been better prepared for I would see on checkpoints which would result in less anxiety inducing mistakes.
The most dramatic difference from the spring and fall semesters that contributed to me stressing over checkpoints far more were team quizzes. I went from always getting checks on team quizzes to only achieving 2/7 team quizzes including 1 through revision this past semester. (TQ LT1, TQ LT14) There was many causes to this on both ends but reflecting on it I should have just prepared better to prevent our mistakes. Our knowledge on the learning targets were often at the same level of understanding so even though we checked and got along well our work would often be insufficient. As a result, it was extremely rewarding when we finally achieved our first win with (TQ LT10). Despite of our overall results, my team and I had a lot of active communication between us as our strength and tried the best with what we both remembered from the material.
On the other hand, learning from my peers has still been very effective for me. Some things are just better learned from another student who can break down the material in a certain way when I’m stuck. This has worked well throughout calculus 1 and 2. From studying with friends to simply reaching out when I need help outside class has helped me feel more comfortable in the classroom environment as well. It is pretty reassuring when you find out you’re not the only one struggling with certain topics.
I’m pretty proud of myself at the end of it all. I finished my first year of college and made it through calculus 1 & 2 with great grades thanks to my persistence. There is still so much to learn and for me to work on though. Especially when it comes to my notetaking skills, because my wrists tire so easily I’m incredibly reluctant to do so unless I feel the need for it. Therefore my goal for next year is to take notes more effectively and organized so I have clear content to refer back to when I’m in a bind. I intend to finish off the course as strong as I can and take what I’ve learned with me as I progress in computer science and math.
- Tyeon Ford