I’m in my final semester of college and taking a part-time schedule, which includes a vocal lesson and a course on Digital Signal Processing—my last requirement for graduation. I was looking forward to this class, as it’s in an area I’m really passionate about, but my grades have been disappointing, hovering around Bs and Cs, and I want to improve.
Unfortunately, my professor seems to lack confidence in his teaching style. He speaks very softly, often to the point where his microphone doesn’t pick him up well. He tends to look down while speaking, and his sentences often trail off, ending with vague phrases like “so… yeah,” or he mumbles, making it hard to understand what he’s saying.
The course itself is challenging; we’re working with complex numbers, and I’m struggling to keep up. I’ve found myself rewriting the lecture slides multiple times at home, but I still feel lost. I’ve turned to using AI for assistance, which I’m not exactly proud of, as I wanted to learn the material more naturally. It’s tough to stay engaged in a class when the professor seems disinterested in teaching.
Has anyone experienced a similar situation and can offer some advice? I’m concerned about the implications of getting a C in this crucial class, especially since it relates to a career path I’m eager to pursue.
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel this way when the teaching style doesn’t match your learning needs, especially in a complex subject like Digital Signal Processing. Here are a few strategies that might help you navigate this challenge:
Reach Out to Your Professor: It can be daunting, but consider approaching your professor during office hours or after class. Prepare specific questions about the material you’re struggling with. This can help you gauge whether he’s more confident one-on-one and could lead to a better understanding of the subject.
Form a Study Group: Collaborating with classmates can be incredibly beneficial. A study group allows you to share different perspectives, clarify concepts together, and help each other where you might be struggling. This might also motivate you, as you’re learning alongside peers who are in the same position.
Supplement Your Learning: While it’s great that you want to learn organically, supplementing your education with online resources (like educational YouTube channels, MOOCs, or even forums related to Digital Signal Processing) can provide additional explanations and perspectives on complex topics.
Practice Problems: Try to get your hands on as many practice problems as you can. The more you practice, especially with the complex numbers and DSP concepts, the more comfortable you’ll become with the material.
Communicate Your Concerns: If the teaching style continues to hinder your learning, consider speaking to your department or academic advisor about your experience. They might offer solutions or alternatives that could help improve the situation.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Remember, it’s okay to struggle with challenging subjects. Keep your goals in mind and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. You’ve got this, and being proactive about your education is a strong step toward your success.
Good luck! It’s great that you’re taking steps to address the issues you’re facing. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and with some strategic efforts, you can still do well in this class.