The primary method of course material distribution will be through the course website (what you are currently viewing). The instructor will also send information to your campus email from time to time. To contact me, please send email to my university account (gunnells at umass dot edu).
Paul Gunnells, LGRT 1115L, 413 545 6009, gunnells at umass dot edu.
The best way to communicate with me is by email. In particular do not use messaging through Canvas or Webassign, or call my office phone. I won’t get messages that way!
TBA. One will be in the Calculus Tutoring Center (but note that you can get help from any instructor in the tutoring center whenever it’s open).
Canvas course. This is mainly to provide a convenient link to the Echo360 lecture recordings and to stored grades from exams. Course information/announcements will not be given out through Canvas but instead will be done through this webpage.
Syllabus. Please read this document carefully, especially the information about scheduled exams and grading. It is your responsibility to be aware of the information in the syllabus.
Lecture Schedule. What is covered when, important course dates.
Webassign. The online homework system used in Math 132.
Webassign Information Information about how to sign up for the Webassign homework system. Please do this right away! The homework assignments begin immediately and you need to be have access.
Statistics. Statistics from course exams.
I try to answer as many questions as possible during lecture. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. Chances are other students also have the same question. I also usually stick around a few minutes after class to answer quick questions (such as questions about parts of the lecture, a homework problem you’ve tried, etc.). Most students find this to be a good way to clear up confusion.
You should also make full use of your discussion section and your TA’s office hours. In particular our TA is there to help you with your questions and to support your work in the course. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Outside of class, the best way to get help is through my office hours, the teaching assistant’s office hours, and the CTC (Calculus Tutoring Center, LGRT 140). Sometimes only a little bit of consultation is all that’s needed to deal with difficulties. One thing to remember is that you will get much more out of office hours/CTC if you make a serious effort to do the problem on your own first.
There is also some drop-in tutoring and supplemental instruction offered during the term at WEB DuBois library through the Learning Resource Center. Please see their website for more details. This is an excellent resource that is often under-utilized. Many students have found this helpful.
Although I like to get a lot of questions from students, it is not possible to answer mathematical questions by email. Please don’t be offended if you ask me a mathematical question by email and I don’t respond. I’ve found in the past that trying to discuss mathematics by email rarely helps anyone, and usually only causes more confusion. Questions should be asked during or right after class or during office hours/tutoring center hours.