Self-Paced Math Classes at TMCC

About Self-Paced Math

Some developmental math classes are offered in a self-paced setting at TMCC. Developmental classes are numbered starting with a zero. A self-paced classroom operates differently than a lecture classroom. In a self-paced class, students work individually. They read the text and solve homework problems on their own. They ask the instructor questions after they have tried to solve problems on their own. Homework is not collected. Students take exams after they have prepared by practicing problems. Students' grades rest solely on their exam scores. If a student does not score 70 percent or above on an exam, s/he may retake that exam. (The higher exam score is the score that will be used in computing the average test score.) This average test score is the student's grade for the course.

Students need a particular set of skills to successfully complete a self-paced math class. They must be able and willing to read and study on their own time outside of math class. They will probably need to study about nine hours each week outside of class time to complete the course by the end of the semester. They need to be self-motivated. They must be willing to study math without someone else telling them that it is important to do so. It is also helpful if the content to be studied is reviewed. If similar topics were studied in high school, in an incomplete college class, or several years prior, then studying math in a self-paced class may be a good setting for you. However, if a student has trouble studying, they may find it very difficult to teach themselves in self-paced classes.

Calculators for Math Classes at TMCC

Graphing calculators are required for most math classes at TMCC. The only math classes that do not require a calculator are Math 091, 093, 122 and 123. The recommended graphing calculator is the Texas Instruments 83 Plus (TI 83). Instructors will demonstrate the use of the calculator during lecture. This will be done on the TI 83. It is important that students become proficient in the use of their graphing calculator. It will much easier for students to follow instruction if they have a TI 83, rather than another type of graphing calculator.