Dennis Pointkowski

Mr.P is the best. I hate math and this subject makes me sick, because it is so important in order to graduate/transfer, but Mr.P made it great. I've learned a lot and the way he teaches the class and encourages people is amazing. He is very supportive and fare, but not easy. Even though you don't have to turn your HW in, it does not make this class easy to pass. You have to review and practice in order to succeed. I encourage everyone to take him, because he is probably the only one i know who cares how you do with your math skills.

I'm taking him this Fall 2003 for 860 :-) Can't wait to be in his class again.

I enrolled into Math 840, Fall 2002. Mr. P's teaching style was the BIGGEST part of my success.

What should you expect? First, your math experience will be the BEST, because his step-by-step teaching method is EXCELLENT!!! He will hand out his own step-by-step notes, for each chapter that he will cover. He writes step-by-step problems on the board. Some student's seemed a bit frustrated with the step-by-step method, but most (like myself) appreciated his step-by-step approach. There were 7 tests and the final.

As written in his Course Information sheet that he hands out the first day of class, "Homework: Plan on studying at least two hours per day, seven days a week. Homework will be assigned when we complete each section of the text. Homework will not be collected, but doing homework is essential to mastering the course material! Tests: There will be seven chapter tests during the semester as well as a final exam. Test dates will be announced in class. Do not miss tests! I will give a makeup only if you have missed a test because of a serious documented reason and if you have contacted me wthin 24 hours of the test concerning this. Calculators will be allowed during tests. Final Grade: Tests 70%, Final Exam 30%." Before each test, he provides a Chapter Review practice sheet. The tests ranged from 9 to 17 problems each. He has a time allotment, but I can't remember what it was. Immediately, after all the students submit their test to him. He places an answer sheet on his desk, so if you write your answers and points on scratch paper, you will immediately know how many answers you have correct or incorrect. He awards partial points, even if the final answer is not correct. For example, a problem on a test was, Take out factors common to all terms (worth 6 points) 36x+60y: I wrote it as follows: 36x+60y =2.2.3.3.x + 2.2.3.5 =4.3(3x + 5) =12(3x+5) I forgot the "y" =12(3x+5y) I was deducted 1 point, but received 5 points.

Finally, your part of the success, will be to make a full comittment to this class (any class for that matter). I was there everyday. I did not miss one class. I wrote CLEAR notes on the chapter notes handout (provided by Mr. P). I did most of my homework. Believe me, when I slacked on my homework it reflected on my test grade. Make NO EXCUSES. If you do YOUR part, you will be successful. Because Mr. P does his part from day one. Good Luck. I highly recommend you to enroll into Mr. P's class!

Thank you Mr. P, you truly are a gifted professor!