Homework Ban?

So, in class we were asked to read this article on cbc pertaining to a family who signed an agreement with their childs Catholic school. The agreement was that their children would no longer receive homework, as they were apparently receiving too much of it and it wasn't benefiting them. If I was their age, I would be pumped. But realistically, I believe homework is essential, as long as it's not assigned specifically for home. If it is work you could not finish in class, thats your own fault.

When it comes to specifically math, I think we have too much homework. I myself feel completely bogged down with accelerated math, cumulative exercises and feeling like I'm always studying for a test. I don't think there is enough hours in the day to balance math homework (which we have daily), with the not so consistant homework of other classes, as well as any extra curricular activities which I participate in, or a part-time job, which I also have. I myself am up until midnight often, just trying to get my homework done. So yes, we do have too much homework, but how could we fix it?

I don't think a "no homework clause" is the answer. I believe homework is an important part of school, especially in math because for me, I need to practice doing the work for me to actually get it. I believe math is not like other classes though. One can't really study for math as they study for English or Biology. I think that the way you study for Math, is to do your homework. I truthfully don't have an answer to what could fix our overload of homework. I don't think there is a fair answer, because some kids need more homework then others, but it's probably impossible to decide who gets what. Maybe assign a few questions of what you cover in class that HAS to be completely by every member in the class, and make the extra questions optional, like if you feel you don't get it, you could work on it, but if you do get it, you don't have to? I don't know how well that would work, but if the kids choose not to do the extra stuff, and don't do well then it's their own fault. Homework is a controversial topic, and I highly doubt it will ever find a solution that will make everyone happy.

So it's been a while...

I have been severly lacking in the consistant blog posting over the past little while. So, heres whats been going on.

We had a test cancelled last week, and the bi-weekly cycle is restarting next wednesday. We just finished learning about Logarithms, Natural Logarithms and all that jazz. I missed one day of examples.. so I'm kind of confused how the natural logarithm thinger works. I'll start doing some exercises sometime..maybe..which will hopefully let me understand.

Today, we started probability. Not going to lie, I'm kind of nervous about this unit. Basically due to the fact that we haven't done any math since Grade 9, where Jill and I TLE cheated our way though the whole unit. We got 100%, but we didn't learn a thing. Oh snap.

Lastly, I'm basically all caught up on exercises. And I'm trying my hardest to get caught up in accelerated math. It's super hard though, there is not enough time in the day for everything going on in my life. I wish I didn't need sleep. If only I was a vampire, not only would I not have to sleep, I would have eternity to learn this stuff. Wayy more convenient. But sadly, I'm not, so I got to buckle down. My mom made me a deal though, if I get my mark up to 75% before the exam, she'll pay for me to get my nose pierced at the end of the semester, as opposed to waiting til April when I turn 18 and paying it for myself.

It's on mom.

Identitiez

So we've been learning how to add/subtract identities, and for the most part its not too bad. Just basically plugging in the right formula. It's a little confusing though trying to figure out what certain calculations are. I probably should have memorized the unit circle a while ago. But i didn't. And now it's slightly biting me in the butt. This weekends gonna = mad studying.

Proofing Identities.. kinda.

Today, we started learning steps on how to simplify trigonometric identities, and how to prove them. It's not too hard actually, just like basic simplification. The challenge is deciding which step to actually use. I think it'll get easier deciding how to go about the simplifying just by doing more questions. Practice makes perfect. Or better at least.

Trig Identities - What are you?

• Involves the sums and differences of angles
• equations, equalities, same sames, just different versions
• they work for any value to any variable
• always work no matter what the imputs are

Update Time

So I realized I hadn't written a blog post in a while, so I figured I should put a little something something on here. We had a test yesterday. Holy stuff. Hardest test of my life. I'll be pretty pumped if I get in the 40's on this bad boy. So thats basically all thats new in my math life. Starting a new unit today. Woop! Hopefully it's not too terribly difficult.

Absolute Value Functions

Today we learned about Piece - Wise functions. I pretty much understand the idea of how it works. Basically its a function, with more then one rule to it. I missed 2 classes this week due to soccer. Note to self: refrain from doing that anymore. I'm soo far behind now and am slightly panicking at the idea of having a test on this stuff when I barely understand whats going on. So, cross your fingers!