How is an asynchronous math class structured? How will my student actually be taught new material?
Although the course is asynchronous, students receive daily instruction and guidance.
Students log into the classroom site each day to find the assignment and read the teacher Comments for that day.
The daily Comments introduce new concepts in a clear, conversational way. They often explain the topic from
a different point of view than the textbook, reinforce important ideas, walk through example problems,
or clarify questions from recent assignments and tests.
In short: students are not left alone to figure out calculus. They receive regular instruction,
structure, examples, and support while still having the flexibility of an online course.
Are lectures or videos provided regularly?
Yes. Videos are used regularly as supplemental instruction. Some videos show an instructor working through
a problem, while others provide a helpful explanation of a new concept.
The course uses a variety of high-quality resources rather than relying on just one presenter. These may include
YouTube educators, Khan Academy, WOWMath, MIT OpenCourseWare, HippoCampus, and other carefully selected resources.
Seeing a concept explained in more than one way can be especially helpful in calculus.
Is instruction mainly through videos or written materials?
The primary instruction comes from the teacher-written daily Comments, the textbook, and the eBook resources.
Videos are used as additional support when they strengthen the lesson.
The goal is for students to learn by reading, watching, thinking, and most importantly by working carefully through
the assigned problems. Calculus is learned through active practice, not passive watching alone.
Is there a scheduled class time each week?
No fixed daily class time is required. Students may access the classroom site at any time during the day to read
the Comments, check the assignment, and complete their work.
There is also a weekly recorded Zoom help session where students may ask questions. Recordings are available on demand,
so students who cannot attend live can still benefit from the session.
How much time should students expect to spend each day?
Students should expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours per day on average.
- Students who are doing very well may be closer to 1.5 hours per day.
- Students who are struggling may need 2 hours or more.
The exact time depends on the student’s preparation, focus, and understanding of the current topic.
Can students work ahead or adjust their schedule?
Yes. Assignments are posted one month at a time, so students may work ahead if they wish.
Students may also take time off for travel, activities, or other commitments. They should communicate ahead of time
so extensions can be arranged when appropriate. Students are responsible for catching up in a timely manner.
What does a typical week of assignments look like?
Most assignments are completed in WebAssign, so the assignment page may simply say something like
“Complete Day 35 Assignment on WebAssign.” The actual problem set is inside the online assignment system.
A sample assignment page is available on the course website so families can see how the daily structure is organized.
How is homework completed and graded?
Up to 95% of homework is completed online through WebAssign using an eBook textbook. Students receive immediate feedback,
and many problems include online tutorial help, animations, sample graphs, and explanations.
To make sure students are working carefully and showing proper mathematical reasoning, students also scan the work from their
homework problems each week and place it in their Dropbox folder.
Homework is graded for completion. Students receive 100% for handing it in, while tests are corrected, graded,
and returned with feedback.
How are tests handled?
Tests are completed online in WebAssign. Students are allowed two tries for each answer and receive immediate feedback
about whether an answer is correct or incorrect. They know their score at the end of the test.
An answer key is provided the day after the test so students can review their work and learn from mistakes.
How do students get help if they are struggling?
Students have several ways to receive help.
- They may ask questions on the Discussion Board.
- They may email Mrs. Gilleran directly.
- They may receive help from the many, many downloadable Study Aids.
- They may use the weekly Zoom help session and recordings.
Email questions receive detailed explanations. If a student still does not understand, the topic can be explained again.
What makes a student successful in this course?
A student’s success is strongly connected to completing the daily assignments on the day they are assigned and spending
focused, high-quality time on the work.
By “quality time,” I mean being mentally present, willing to think deeply, and willing to work through the process of
learning. Students who actively pursue understanding, rather than simply trying to absorb information, are the students
who tend to do well.
The course is flexible, but it still requires consistency, effort, and responsibility.
What kind of AP Exam results do students achieve?
Students in this course have earned strong AP results over the years. Reported results from 2009-2012 have included many scores of 4 and 5.
Not every student’s score is available because some students do not report scores, do not enter the school code, or choose
not to take the AP Exam.
75%
scored 5
11%
scored 4
9%
scored 3
4%
scored 1 or 2
Students deserve tremendous credit for these results. Their effort, discipline, and willingness to do the daily work are
central to their success.
Who is a good fit for this course?
This course is a good fit for students who are motivated, responsible, and willing to work consistently. Students do not
need to be perfect at mathematics, but they do need to be ready for the challenge of an AP-level calculus course.
The strongest students are those who keep up with assignments, ask questions when they need help, and stay engaged with
the process of learning.