Students blog

Everyone always has that one class that no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get the hang of the material. For most people it’s a math or science course, and I am no exception. Accounting, Managerial and Financial, was that class for me. Accounting is math on a whole other level. It’s a full on different language, which makes reading and answering the problems challenging. Most of the problems take multiple steps to answer, so if you mess up one step you are going to have trouble getting the final answer right. Thankfully, the MyLab programs have a helpful solution. The “Help Me Solve This” button on my homework saved my life.

A magic button

This magic little button is an amazing tool that can be easily mis-valued and unseen as it’s under the “Question Help” tab. It gives you a similar question to the one you’re working on for you to solve, while explaining the steps and processes as you go. You get two chances to answer each step and if you are unable to answer correctly it will give you the correct answer. You get hints before each step to help you get the answer right the first time. You’re walked through the demo problem in its entirety, but you can exit out at any point if you feel confident enough to finish your homework problem on your own. The best part is that you can click on it at any point of problem solving and can utilize it as many times as you want.

Unlimited uses

I used this aid on every single homework set that I was assigned. It was my holy grail. My favorite part was the hints, because many times I knew what to do, but had something simple like a formula wrong. I also appreciated that I didn’t have a limited number of times to use the button. If I was still having problems, I could go back and rework the “Help Me Solve This” problem. I would even write down the steps as I went, to ensure that I would know how to solve my actual homework problem. This was also beneficial when studying for my tests, because I could learn the steps that I had written down.

Found everywhere

Though I’m emphasizing my use of the “Help Me Solve This” button for MyLab Accounting, I’ve also used this tool in various other courses. For example, you can use it in a similar way with MyLab Economics, Finance, Business Statistics and more across all subjects! It was also beneficial on MyLab IT for my Business in Computer Science course, and I expect to use it in my Marketing by the Numbers exercises with MyLab Marketing.

This tool has helped me in so many of my classes and I don’t think I could have done as well without it. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to use this tool. It is extremely helpful and there for a reason. Pearson wants to help you succeed and that’s why it is there. So, the next time you need help, give it a go! You’ll never know how useful it is until you try it.

Pearson Students: What tools do you use to help your grades? Share by commenting below!

Math has always been my least favorite subject. I always had the most difficult time understanding the concepts. Algebra was rough, calculus was worse, and trigonometry felt like torture. In high school my inability to properly understand math felt like my defining weakness, especially when I compared myself to my numerous straight-A friends. When I was thinking of my future major, I only looked at concentrations that wouldn’t require math. But something happened when I got to college that would help me overcome my weakness so that I could achieve math proficiency.

In college I met one of the greatest professors I ever had. For the first time in my life, I had a math teacher who taught me math – and I understood it! For the first time, I was able to earn good grades in the subject. Was it my perception? Was it the professor? What did he do differently? Honestly, I’m really not quite sure. However, one thing is certain – he changed how I felt about the subject and how I perceived my abilities. After taking that class, my self-confidence was boosted. I am insanely proud of how I overcame that weakness and turned it into a strength. Here are a few things I learned through this experience.

Strive for improvement

Don’t worry so much about what you’re bad at, because with more practice or in the right setting, you could get better. Don’t focus on your flaws or imperfections, but rather strive to make improvements on all aspects of your life.

Teaching others helps you learn

Offer to help other students who don’t understand the topic. You were once in their position, and it’s great practice for yourself as well! We learn better when we have to explain a concept to another person –  so it’s win win! Not to mention, working in your campus tutor lab is a great way to meet new people, or earn some extra cash.

Thank your teacher

If you get that professor who changes the entire subject for you, let them know! Every teacher wants to change lives, and compliments go a long way. Show them that you are a driven student, and that their explanations encouraged you to reach your highest potential. That is the greatest gift to give an educator.

College is not only a time of education, but also personal growth. I was astonished at what I could accomplish in the math courses I took in the following semesters. One professor was able to open my eyes and allow me to realize that I was not “bad at math” but rather never had the right resources or knowledge to effectively solve equations. I am proud to say with hard work and dedication to the subject, I completed the course with an A. Something I would have never thought possible before taking this course. I encourage you to always keep your chin up and approach things with confidence. Rather than shying away from math classes, I now know I can pursue ANY major, regardless of the math requirements.

Pearson Students, What your weakness? How are you going to conquer it? Share when you retweet my blog!