Welcome to the course blog! I am truly excited about teaching this course, and I hope that you find it to be an enlightening and enjoyable educational experience. This blog serves as a mechanism for everyone to process ideas and concepts related to our class and to learn through engagement with others. Since none of us is as smart as all of us, we can gain further insights by taking in the ideas of our community members. While we may disagree on here, it is essential that we always demonstrate respect and maintain an open mind.
In order to participate, click on the heading "Welcome to the Blog -- Topic 1" above. (For subsquent weeks, you just click on the new title.) If you scroll down, you can read my instructions and enter your comments in the box. Come back a little while later, click on the same link, and read the posts from your classmates. USE YOUR REAL NAME EITHER IN YOUR "SCREEN NAME" OR IN YOUR POSTS; OTHERWISE, I WILL NOT KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND CANNOT ASSIGN POINTS. It would also be great if everyone could at least publish their photo in the "Followers" section on the right-hand side of the page. That way, we can learn each other's names and connect faces with ideas.
I will post a blog topic almost every week during the term. For each topic, I would like for you to produce a 1-2 paragraph thoughtful comment that shows your honest reflections and includes some type of contribution to our understanding of the issues at hand. Then, after reading the posts of your classmates, I'd like for you to jump back into the conversation -- either by critically responding to someone else or by adding to your previous post with further insights. Feel free to continue the dialogue if you wish.
You will be graded on the value-added nature of your overall posts over the course of the term. In other words, just typing anything does not earn you credit -- your comments must offer something useful for us to consider. For each blog, you earn one point for a good post and one more point for a good response to others. I will add those points each week onto Blackboard (if it's a weak post, you will not earn credit.) Although I am certain that you will get the hang of this blog thing soon, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
TOPIC ONE: What are your thoughts and feelings about taking a course in Statistics? Is there anything that your instructor and classmates can do to best help you to achieve success in this class? The original posts are due by Monday January 18th, with follow up posts expected by class time on Wednesday January 20th.
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Tiffany R.
ReplyDeleteUpon learing that i had to take elementary stats as a required course I was very overwhelmed! I am not fluent with my math skills but Dr. Greenfield made a very valid point today in class, we use that saying "math is not my thang" way too often. I am excited about Dr. Greenfeild's enthusiastic approach to learning and teaching. I feel confident that if I put in effort study and ask for extra help from my peers and instructor this will be the first "math" class i will earn an A in.....I think this class will be fun and various veiwpoints and ideas will be injected into the classroom learning time. As I looked around the class I saw diversity which will add an intresting take on learing, using and applying the skills and knowledge we will learn this semester. I'm focused man :)!
Finding out that taking a statistics course was a requirement for my major was nervewrecking.I automatically assumed lots of hard math and i hate math with a passion.Aftetr attending class for the first time today and meeting my instructor and peers i have came to the conclusion that statistics may be a straight forward course. i look forward to a semester learning statistics.
ReplyDeleteWhen finding out I had to take a class called Elem. Statistic, I said what in the world is this? I arrived at the class and was in shock. This was something so new to me and I hope it doesn't kill me! To get me through this course I think the whole class will have to participate in the activities assigned and just help each other!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts about taking this class is that i really do not want to take it at all. I am not a really big fan of math in the first place. The best way for me to do well in this class is to have a study group with people that i know in the class and for Dr.Greenfield to explain everything as simple as possible and I think that I will be okat
ReplyDeleteI think the class will be fun because I'm sure Dr.G will not let it be boring. However as long as the class works together by reminding each other of different assignments such as blogs we will all be pleased with our grades.
ReplyDeleteWell i am one of those that said "I am not good in math" i am going at it this time with a different attitude and mindset. Slow and easy, details and more details is what i need. Not real fond of the group task,but it works for some. Steph, don't limit yourself to just people you know, Valessa "Hate" is a strong word, if you go at it like that,you will not get far, trust me i know. I need this to graduate in May, i am going to pass this class and so will everyone else if we work hard together. We all need to be considerate of each others strengths and weaknesses. We only get out what we put in.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated in class "I'm scared to death" maybe it is because I really don't understand the concept behind statistics. Hopfully, you, Dr G. will aide me in understanding it. As for right now, I'm up for the challenge!
ReplyDeleteI am not looking forward to this class but I think I am going to learn a lot which is always a good thing. In high school I took statistics and the only reason I did really well was because my partner was the school's valedictorian. Without him my confidence is a little shaken but I think I will be ok in this class. I think this class will be a good experience and everyone will learn about more than just statistics but about their personal stregnths and abilities.
ReplyDeleteMelvin Brockington
ReplyDeleteI am excited about statistics. I was apprehensive at first because, I didn't know what to expect. Dr.Greenfield has a great "sense of humor" so that made me feel real comfortable. I love how Dr.Greenfield provides his students with a study session. That examplifies dedication to his students and passion for his job. Thanks Dr.Greenfield, I'm ready to learn about statistics.
Cachet Hobson
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I am a little excited to take this coarse, I don't know much about Elementary Statics, but I feel as though by the end of the semester, I will have learned everything I need to know. Also, I am excited with having Dr. Greenfield as my professor because I have heard many great things about him, and the way he teaches. So, I am excited and ready to get this this coarse started.
In my opinon I have always been a very positive person when it comes to my education and I believe anything is possible if a person puts his or her mind to it. I do believe that I will do my best in this course because im a hard worker and Dr. Greenfield is a great teacher due to my past experiences of having his class before. So Im sure everything will be fine.
ReplyDeleteDear Students --
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the kind words and the positive spirit that many of you have written about here. However, the second part of my blog prompt also asked for students to identify what the instructor or your classmates could do in order to best help you to succeed in this class. I'd like to see some additional suggestions or comments about that point in these posts as well. Thanks!
I already know I'm going to have problems in this class. But I'm going to TRY my best to do well.
ReplyDeleteStatistics is a requirement for my criminal justice major. I was ready to have a panic attack when my advisor recommended that I take statistics this semester and my first thought was that I should just get it out the way before my senior year. Any course that involves math just automatically goes on my “all I have to do is make it through” list. After the first day of class I’m feeling a little better about taking statistics and I’m starting to think the class may not be as terrible as I thought. As long as I attendant class regularly, I will develop a good relationship with my instructor and peer which will allow me to ask for help when needed. I'm sure I will be fine because i refuse to get anything less than B in this class. I'll just have to study hard.
ReplyDeleteRosa Saavedra
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I am not really looking forward to the class with great joy. I am fearful about anything to do with math –and although you SAY that statistics is not math- I’m a little skeptical. I do have a desire to continue researching a particular topic of interest to me and I have learned that developing knowledge of statistics will help me do that. The thing that I think will be of most help to me is getting extra help and just putting in more time.
when i found out that i had to take this class i was a little mad because i dont like math, and i though that this class was going to be all math. entering this class i didnt come in with the best attitude already thinking that i was going to have a hard time in this class. After class on last friday and Dr. Greenfeild letting us all know that there wasnt alot of math i feel somewhat better about taking this class. I feel that as long as its not all math i feel i can excel in this class and come out with a very good grade...
ReplyDelete-Alicia Hill
My thoughts at first was that I thought it would be a math class. I wasn't scared, but I just didn't want to take another math class. After meeting Dr Greenfield for the first time, I think that I would have no problem in taking statistics. I don't think that statistics would be very hard, but I have never taken a class in statistics so I don't know. I believe that this class will be very exciting and I don't think that there will ever be a dry day. Jeremy Best
ReplyDeleteWhat the instructor can do to help me succeed in this class is to keep the same attitude that he had on the first day of class. What the students could do is always listen to the instructor and try not to disrupt class.
ReplyDeleteI am really nervous to be taking this class because I am not a very strong math student but I will not let that get in the way. As long as Dr. Greenfield stay on top on us about this work then I will continue to put effort in this class. What the students can do is not get so irritated when someone ask question because noone know everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too worried about taking this class. The only thing that draws concern is the workload...i have a feeling its gonna be heavy, and i have more than enough on my plate already but i'm gonna try my best to be on top of things. All the instructor has to do for me is keep me awake. My classmates should try to match Dr. Greenfeilds atittude toward to class so things stay interesting.
ReplyDelete-JAMAAR HOSIER
I am looking forward to taking this class. Even though I enjoy math I know Statics is going to be like math but just with a little twist. With that on my mind I know I will just have to work harder in understanding what is going on and the hard work will pay off. I know I also will have to ask my peers and from the first time our class met, I feel that everyone will be kind about lending a helping hand.Really excited about this semester!
ReplyDeleteMDM
oh no!
ReplyDeleteI spelled statistics wrong! I guess thats why they always say proof read more then once!
MDM
I totally agree with Jamaar that this class seems like it’s going to be a heavy course load. The class seem like it’s going to be very interesting and the professor is very interactive with the class so at least it won’t be boring. I’m still feeling a little nervous about the class because I’m not sure what is elementary statistics is. I agree that everyone will pass the class as long as everyone extends a helping hand to one another. I think it’s very important for classmates to remember that everyone has different learning styles and that what works for one person may not work for another. I’m very confident that as long as I stay on task that I will be very successful in this class.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading some of the previous post unlike other students I had no idea what I was getting myself into. If I had a chance I would skip this course. Math is not my strong point however; I would put in extra time and work harder in understanding the lesson. All I ask from the instructor is to make Statistics a fun learning environment. As far as classmates do not be afraid to ask a question if you do not understand. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT BEING EMBARRASS
ReplyDeleteI think stat class is a class I will learn a lot in because im interested in different statistics especially when it comes to grooups of people that do a certain thing. For example the topic of African American in jail compared to African Americans in prison came up in class on Friday & it really had me tuned in. I am also excited about the class because with me being a Criminal justice major i know that statistics are heavily involved in that field. So i am very anxious to see how this class can help me with my major and help me further prepare for the work I will be doing once i graduate.
ReplyDeleteRoy Maddox
To what Sheilaquenck said as long as you try your hardest and give it all you can this class should be smooth... And in Greenfield's class he always gives as much help as he can... You got me too if i understand it i'll help you the best way i can...We have to work to together to make it throught.
ReplyDelete-Alicia Hill
I do agree with Alicia because when the class came up in my schedule it kinda had me worried because math has never been my strong point and I figured a statistics class will have A LOT of math involved, but after Dr. G explained the class a little further I dropped my worries for the most part and any worries that are still there I will look at as a challenge that I can overcome if I use my time wisely and put my all into my work.
ReplyDeleteRoy Maddox
Elementary Statistics is a requirement for Social Work majors also. However I am not to press about the class because I am always eagered to learn new material. Being that I dislike math, this course may not be as easy as I think but by the end I will achieve success. I know that this class will help me in the long run pertaining to my major. I know that my instructor is going to provide a exciting and enthusiastic enviorment that will make the lesson interesting. As long as we, as in my peers, give each other a helping hand the course will run smoothly and end with success.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Roy was saying about being interesting in certain statistics because I find myself finding some of them grabing my interest. Also I agree that statistics applying to his major because just like him I believe it applies to my major of psychology. Also because one day I plan to have my own private practice and I am pretty sure statistics play a part in making that business better every year.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited about taking this course because of course Dr. G is the teacher so I'll never get sleepy. But In general I think it's a very interesting topic and even though I don't know much about it now, I'm sure I will walk out of the classroom with a whole new perspective and knowledge base. I am not a ig fan math but I'm sure the teacher will encourage me and make me want to learn.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Tyisha. Dr. G will keep things interesting an dkeep us from slipping up so I'm excited
Also after reading some of the previous post I am still excited about Elementary Statistics. Taking this course is also required for my major,I am still excited because I love doing math and solving for a solution.In this course I expect to do work and it will be changling in a way.I am asking will someone please help me with studying for the quizzes and the exam's please.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings about taking Statistics are pretty netural. I am not really excited or afraid. Its just another class that I plan to strive to do my best in. There is nothing in partciular that I can think that my classmates can do for me but for the instructor I just hope he just does his job. Nothing more and nothing less.
ReplyDeleteI am really interested in taking this class!!!! The things that i already know about stastics is very interesting and is something that caputres my attention. This class is one that i think that i am going to enjoy this semester. I am really looking forward to learning alot of new things from this class!!!1
ReplyDeleteI've always heard that stats was an interesting class, so i'm pretty excited about taking it. I think that as a class we will be able to exceed if we all continue to communicate as well as we have been already. Personally, I feel as if this class will be a little confusing to me for a while considering that I HATE math and even just dealing with numbers. But with plrnty of help frompractice and help from some of my awesome classmates, I should do well.
ReplyDeleteDr.G, my suggestion for keeping statistics interesting is keeping the stats current. I was speaking w/someone earlier in the week after you gave the stats on Haiti and they were amazed, as I was in class. By keeping things current will make them easier to remember, thus we'll enjoy learning! So far, I'm enjoying the class!! :)
ReplyDeleteDr. G is a good teacher, I had him before for statistics. I really hope i do better this semester and be on point. I still dont like math or statistics but I have to like it to pass it. I hope this semester is a good one and not like last semester with alot of stress. Looking forward to learning this over and understanding it better than i did before.
ReplyDeleteDr. G. It would help if you gave a little more time on problems before moving to the next one. That way we all can "keep-up" and not be trying to solve the problem or write notes when you have moved to the next problem. It takes some of us a little longer than others :)
ReplyDeleteI chose the "U.S. gender wage gaps within ethnicity". Sats: Hispanic women earn 83% of what Hispanic men earn in 2001;in the same year Asia, & P.I. women earned 78% of what Asian & P.I. men earned.
ReplyDeleteTrend: Women earned less than men of the same ethnicity form 1988 - 2001.
Reading the other entries just made me realize that we all seem to have the same thoughts about this course. I wasn't sure what to expect when the class started. I didn't know much about Dr. Greenfield or his teaching style, but he makes it interesting. Some of the things that I'm learning now seemed irrelevant before mainly because my field of study doesn't focus on social issues. Math isn't difficult for me, though it can be boring. With statistics, the end result really amazes me, especially since the numbers aren't made up. Numbers Don't Lie!
ReplyDelete