Elementary Statistics...

[mmcc26]

Hi everyone! I wanted some opinions and general feedback on your experience with this class. Math is really not my strong point for the most part, I'm a bit intimidated. Do any of you think it would be a bad idea for me to take this class online? I just don't really know what to expect from it.

Did you find statistics especially difficult? Was it easy for you?

Thanks in advance!

[mostdesired3]

Personally I found this class easier than any other precalc type math class. It's really just a lot of word problems and formulas. Apply the formula and viola! - problem solved. Was coaching other students by the 3rd week. While doing so, the main complaint I heard was figuring out what formula to apply. After showing them the "hint" words to look for, all but 2 said they did better on tests and did the assignments faster... Every new concept seemed to build on the last tho so definitely try to stay ahead.

All in all, super easy class. Dont worry, you'll do fine.

[Endowed]

I just concluded the statistics class last summer. Although I'm very good in math, but Statistics in my opinion is different from the regular college algebra since its mostly word problems, concepts, and knowing the right formula to apply. I was lucky I took it in class coz I had a great professor.

Here's what I did: Tests and Exams were open book and the instructor usually give us a test review for each test or exam. I made it a duty to record each lecture (because we had to cover a minimum of four chapters a week). Afterwards, I will listen to the tape last thing before going to bed and first thing in the morning while doing my chores around the house. Also, I wrote down the questions and steps in my notebook when doing my homework and did the same for the test reviews. Instead of taking a big textbook to school on test day, I simply took my notebook because the questions will always be similar to what I have done previously in class, homework, or test review practice. (The instructor wouldn't give you problems he's never taught would he?)

However, when I tried emulating other students in using the textbook during test. I fumbled and got a 91 on that test compared to the perfect scores I've been getting lol.

I went back to my trick and ended up with a 99.3% overall average.

Take it in class, the instructor might be lenient enough to give you guys an extra time to finish up, but the computer wouldn't. Also, your instructor might mention areas you need to concentrate on.

All in all, if its an open book, which I believe it will, then, take it in class. If it is not, take it online. You need the formulas and application steps so you need a book with you.

Best of luck in your decision.

[sparky605]

I agree with Alisonisayoshi - I am very bad at math but I am doing very well (94%) in my online statistics class. My teacher has videos plus I use Khan Academy and the text book. I don't think I could go to lectures and keep up. The self-pacing aspect of the online class works well for me.

[buspar]

I took Biostatistics online and got an A...the teacher was extremely helpful and totally on the ball, which helped. I'm not sure how different a regular statistics class is - but the one I took didn't seem too math-heavy. We used excel and another program, which did most of the math for you. There was some light algebra (very little) and the rest seemed more like "critical thinking" problems. If you're good at teaching yourself from a textbook and can manage your time well - the online class shouldn't be a problem. For me, listening to a lecture does nothing - I need a book and a computer and I'm good to go - but everyone is different. It helps a lot to have a teacher who answers emails and responds to posts right away.

I was scared of this class at first, but about a week in I realized that its mostly just working with a computer program and understanding how all the different charts/graphs, etc. work. I think you'll be just fine if you stay on top of assignments...each thing builds up to the next, so you don't want to fall behind. If you get stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask questions! If it seems like no one else is asking - its not necessarily because they "know" the material...usually your questions are going to help out your classmates as well. Everyone gets stuck sometimes. I bugged my teacher constantly, and she was more than happy to help. Best of luck!

Hi Phillippa, where did you take Biostatistic online ?

[bambi87]

should i take college algebra before elementary statistics?