Campbell, Jack
Semester 1 2012-2013

Dear Dr. Vernon,
Over the first semester I have grown as a learner through the Weekly Problem Sets. For each one I learn a new skill that I did not know before. I usually do the challenge work sheets so I obtain knowledge about new things as well as I learn new ways to solve problems that I have already done. I have also grown as a learner because I look at new approaches to problems, as well as collaborate with other people to find new solutions to problems. This is different then the alex program in 8th grade because we only worked by ourselves and only solved the problem in a specific way. Over the semester I have learned new skills and approaches to solving problems as well as I have reviewed and looked deeper into the math that I have already learned and applied it to more complex problems.

My feelings for math have been basically the same throughout the semester. I enjoy math and I think most of the problems are fun and enjoyable, but I do feel that we do not do enough projects in the class. I really enjoy the projects that we have done because I have been able to creatively represent mathematical properties in a way that I choose, however I think we should make more projects to make the class more interesting. I also feel that the math class is very separate from the other class. In our other class we are all one big class and there are no class specific projects, math is a completely separate subject that is not integrated with our other class.

I use many approaches for each of the problems that we do. If it is a open ended problem I usually start by looking for patterns in the numbers that may correspond to the problem, then I compare what I have found and collaborate with others to see what they have found, this allows me to see anything that I missed and to elaborate more on what I have found until I find the proper solution. My approach for the weekly problem set is to start the problems with what I know, first solve what I know how to, then if I don't know how to finish it I consult with another student or research it online to understand how to complete the problem. All of my approaches include collaboration for the purpose of checking my work, this helps to both understand and complete the problem correctly.

​

In math there are certain problems that I will occasionally get stuck on and struggle with. When I am stuck I try to figure out how to solve the problem via collaboration. I will also struggle with problems that I have already done, but that I don't remember how to do. To solve this a goal for next semester is to keep notes too look back on. I have previously kept notes, but I have not kept track of them, so I will keep digital copies of notes that I take. To achieve this goal I am going to scan nots, as well as write them digitally. Another goal that I have it to do more challenge options. I have done challenge options in the past, however I have not done them on all the projects, I would like to try to do challenge option on every project.

Sincerely,
Jack Campbell