Oh dear.

We got our tests back today, and I'm not too terribly happy with how I did. I'm tired of doing not well, and I tend to always feel like I know more than I actually do... Just need to do more practice I guess. I'm not ready for the test on Wednesday so I really need to do a lot of work tonight and tomorrow.

Homework yes or homework no?

We just finished reading an article about a family that signed some sort of contract with their childrens school that says their kids will no longer be assigned homework, but will be only marked on the work they do in class. The parents say the homework was just 'busy work'.

I strongly feel that having homework IS imporant in classes such as math because there are formulas you need to know how to use and when to use. In the cases of math and sciences, I think that a certain amount of homework should be assigned that MUST be done by all students, maybe even just 5 or so specific questions just so students will remember what went down during the day and to double check whether or not they really get it, but then have the option to do more practice if they need it.


Doing homework for the sake or homework is not something I agree with. I believe there has to be a balance especially at the age that those children are at, but as for high school I think it's necessary. For people like me who are not natural at subjects such as math, NEED homework. It's not simple and for me to do half decent, I need to know my stuff which means I need to do homework. I can't just sit back for the class and listen and know exactly how to do everything, I need practice time and since class isn't long enough homework is very necessary.

This is a tough questions since everyone learns differently; I believe some kids don't necessatily need homework and some do. I know that teachers do want the best for their students and want them all to succeed. Our teachers know what's best for us so as long as they give their students what they need practice with but not over do it, and remember we have other tough subjects on our plates also, I think that'll work out just fine.

And really, when you look at the bigger picture homework (although it can be a pain) is helping us all out in the long run. It's preparing us all for university or jobs that require us to bring work home. I don't think a homeworkless world is the answer, I think a balance of working hard in class and reviewing the necessary amount of time at home is.

Logarithmic Word Problems

We did word problems today using the log laws and learned some new formulas... I'm really glad the test isn't until next, next Wednesday because I need to do way way more practice on this stuff.

Change of Base and Exponential Equations

I understand the change of base theorem for the most part, but putting all the log rules together still stumps me. Clearly I need to do more practice with this stuff.

I honestly don't know how the class could be taught more 'interestingly' and still learn everything we need to know. By the end of the day is it super hard to stay motivated and listening, but the random jokes, inserted photos, and other made up words and such really do help me stay engaged. It's like a short breakish time where my over-filled mind can take a rest, but not long enough where I forget everything I've learned.

Logarithmic Functions

Today we were given some formulas in order to solve log. functions. Also, Mr. Maks told us that Logarithms are the same as Exponents which is a help since things always make more sense to me when there's comparisons. I don't completely know what exactly I learned, but I'm sure doing the exercise will help me.

Exponents and Logarithms

I'm pretty pumped that the graphing part of this unit is pretty similar to the transformation stuff we have done previously, so that makes it all a bit simpler. Also, we reviewed some exponent rules and how to find the 'x' in exponential questions.. not too terrible actually.