Here are some basic instructions about how to use this blog:
1. Click the Sign In link at the top right. If you have a google or gmail account, sign in. If not, please go to google.com or gmail.com and create one. Then, re-type in our blog address (greenfieldstats.blogspot.com) and sign in. Do NOT create a new blog... you're participating in the one that I established for us.
2. Then, click on the link above that says "Blogging Instructions -- PLEASE READ!" (Next week, the new blog title will be "Week Two" -- how creative!). Read any comments posted and then type in your thoughts in the Post a Comment box and click Post Comment. When you want to go back and read others' posts, just click on the same link above, and you'll have access to everyone's ideas. You will need to scroll through to see them all and to post your responses.
3. To reiterate the expectations, at some time before Sunday of each week, I would like for you to post a 2 paragraph statement which offers your thoughts/reflections about any issues raised in class during the previous week. Then, before class on Tuesday, you need to post a 1-2 paragraph comment to at least two of your classmates about their posts. For this first week, you can write about anything you want to get to know you (feelings about statistics, life, inauguration, your background, etc.). Any questions -- please contact me. Have fun!
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I when I first started course registration I feared a number of things as it pertained to Stats class. #1) would I pass the class #2) would I retain the information taught or just regurgitate it. After attending my first stats class held on Thursday January 15, 2009 I was immediately confident in my professor’s knowledge of the subject and his ability to teach in a way that allows me to understand and challenge my own thought process. It was a immense relief to know that the stats class would be taught by Dr. Greenfield! Not because I saw his class as an easy A but because after having one conversation with him in the café he had challenged me to think more than I had in the entire semester. I came to Shaw University to learn and I believe he can facilitate that goal.
ReplyDeleteI am truly thankful for the opportunity to be challenged. As I stated in my address to Shaw University’s Alum and others “We can no longer challenge ourselves to think outside of the box…but realize there is no box to think outside of!”
Thanks, Ms. Brown! You are the first contributor. I am so excited to follow the progress of this blog, and I appreciate the positive spirit that you bring to the class.
ReplyDeleteI've always heard the word Statistics. I always thought of sports and academics but after attending the class(Elementary Statistics) today(01-15-09), I see that it's about more than those particular categories. I love to challenge myself and this subject is definetly a challenge. As individuals, we all should look at all our options in life. Statistics is all about looking at all your options and possibilities. My opinion, it's not a hard subject, it challenges your thinking and creativity skills. And to mention, I feel this way about Statistics now because I have a great instructor(Dr.Greenfield) who I've only known for 1 hour and 15 minutes, which I know he will teach me and support me all the way through this semester. It's a great feeling to know I'm about to learn something about everyday life.
ReplyDeleteThis elementary statistics class is a class that I am eager toward learning. In the course elementary statics I expect to gain a workable knowledge of the world statics. In addition, I also expect to realize its uses and how it relates to me. Last semester I caught a small glimpse of how import statics can be, when I was assigned to complete a survey for one of my student groups. That glimpse was influence by professor Greenfield.
ReplyDeleteLast semester, one of the student organizations I am involved in, it was desired to determine what the interest of the student body were in regards to an alternative form of education. I and other group members were assigned to come up with survey to reach that goal. We composed the survey and decided to ask a professional to critique. The professional we chose was Dr. Greenfield. Thinking we had done a good job, Dr. Greenfield explained that we done quite the contrary. The criticism was tough and detailed, but it provided solutions. His job of paying attention to detail, presentation and paying attention to all the necessary factors of composing well done professional survey made me eager to learning more. He had done such thorough job of critiquing survey that I immediately realized how important statics are to my current and future endeavors that I had to join his class.
I'm very touched by the nice words expressed in the above posts. Future posters... please don't think that you must comment about the class or me personally (of course, you are free to say anything that you want here)... any topic at all that helps you to introduce yourself and your ideas to us is fine.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first thought of statistics all
ReplyDeleteI could really think about were scoreboards,sports, and percentile of people doing such and such. I'm not too excited but I'm not dreading the course either. I'm more so interested in the math that we'll be dealing with because I personally like to be challenged in math. In class we found that some people are dreading having to take the course but since one aspect of math doesn't dictate the rest and I like math but personally hated geometry and I never plan to lay eyes on it again so please don't make us do it lol.
I am however excited about working with you Dr. Greenfield. I've heard nothing but good and kind words about you. I've never taken you before but I really love your energy. I just hate those hour and 15 minute classes. They blow me but it's fine. I'm just ready to get the semester going so it can hurry up and end.
I have to say i am one of those who says"i am not good at math" there is definitly no lauging behind that comment. I have never been one to turn down a challenge so, i am going full speed into this thing, i do believe a dumb question is a question not asked, so i will be asking alot of question. For you math whiz kids,i might hit you up for help too,and be patient with us who are mathematically challenged (lol)
ReplyDeleteOkay I just posted a comment and I'm not sure if it worked or not because I don't even see it up here and I wrote A LOT too!!
ReplyDeleteI plan to recieve a lot from the class and learn a subject I haven't even heard of. Life is full of different experiences and I guess math is one that we all have to feel once or twice in life right?
I just hope this journey I'm on this semester will be a positive one, one I can reflect on and be proud of.
By the way...DURREL is "JusMe"...had to change that..
ReplyDeleteI am very overwhelmed this semester with my course load, so statistics is probably going to be my least favorite subject. I haven't taken stats since high school, and I've been putting it off until the very end for a reason...I hate it. I am happy however, to have a professor that is excited about the subject. It makes a lot of difference in the class if the professor himself enjoys it. Next week I hope to see the same excitement in the course. I am also happy to see that our class is full of different types of people...diversity is a good thing in a class like Stats. We should be able to help each other get past those feelings of not being good at math.
ReplyDeleteOn another note...in two hours I am on my way to DC...yayyyy!! I'm borderline claustrophobic and I get irritated with the cold very quickly so I'm sure that it won't be as fun for me as I'm hoping...see you guys on Thursday!
These posts are very interesting. With regards to the math concerns, I love the challenge of making this course something that you can all enjoy and learn from!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to be at Shaw, back at home in a familiar setting. I am a transfer student from NC A&T. Alot of students ask me why did I transfer from A&T and is it a bad school. I always tell the, the only problem I had with A&T was the housing lottery system that they used. Basically, if you weren't a freshman, athlete, or graduate student, you weren't guaranteed housing. A situation like that can be very frustrating when you already worked like a slave to raise enough money to attend college. It wouldn't have be an issue if they would have extended the deadline until after they distributed the refund checks, but they didn't. It would have cost me more to get and apartment and go to school. So I moved back home and commute to school. I think that is the best thing to do. You don't have to worry with the troubles of dorm life, plus its ALOT cheaper.
ReplyDeleteIf you asked me to compare the two school, I would say SHAW is a better choice. The classes are smaller, more one on one time with the teachers. I think that is very important to a student to acheivement success in college. I am very excited about Dr. Greenfield's class. After I heard Dr. Greenfield speak in cases, I was just blown away. I look forward to taking this class and making an A.
Because of the age difference, I was really nervous coming to main campus for class. I was also very nervous about taking statistics. After observing Dr. Greenfield's passion for statistic made me feel very comfortable. Also, the students seem to be very polite and kind. I know this is going to be my favorite class.
ReplyDeleteI viewed statistics as bunch of numbers used by people to prove a point. After majoring in social work, I now understand the importance of statistics. In my field statistics is necessary to help social workers interpret and analyze data.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think statistics is going to be hard as bleep. But I think the professor will really explain the material so that we can get a real good understanding of it. Its been said that "in statistics it tells a story." The only thing I have problem with is. Is the story factual. In so many cases like the aids epidemic and the rates of black males incarcerated, some of the statistics are false. These improper leads are not only wrong but at times give Inappropriate prejudgement. Stats is no more a numerical mind game.
ReplyDeleteWhen i first got registered for this course, I was trully upset, because I thought I was finished with math. I wanted to cry so bad when my advisor said it was apart of my social work major. Im very weak when it comes to math. Its like a german language. but when I knew I was taken Greenfield, I knew my troubles were over. I like teachers that make me wanna learn and thats you Dr.Greenfeild. I beleive that this course is a challenge but i ready for the ride.
ReplyDeleteTonya, i feel you on the age thing,i thought it was going to be difficult,when i decided to attend Shaw, but so far with the CAPE program you are mainly in classes with your age group, and don't feel intimidated by youth. I was warned by CAPE administrators not to take any day classes because the teachers would not take in consideration your life situation and students would irritate me,i went against the grain because i want to graduate on time,and thus far it has been interesting because i get a feel for the younger students, i get a different perception on things because of the age differences. I actually have had good experiences with the younger students,how about i say "day"students,we have enlighten each other,very touching moments. I will embrace the "day"students. Greenfield is always a pleasure to listen and learn from.
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I am another student that claimed to dislike math on our first day of class. I don't dislike it because its hard but because I think its boring. It has a lot to deal with the way it is presented and with a professor like Dr. Greenfield I believe that I will grow to like math a little.
ReplyDeleteI am a sophomore majoring in Social Work and Psychology. I am not a very sociable person, but I think this class will help bring me out of that, since everyone seems to be so diverse and cool. Can't wait to get to know more about my classmates and statistics!!
I appreciate both Tonya and Crystals comments. Even though I am younger than the both of you ladies, I was told by someone in admissions that I would have a problem with relating to the day students. Sadly, I couldn't take the night CAPE courses because of my responsibilities to my family at home. I will say, I have noticed that in some courses you can see a big difference in the CAPE and day students, but this class seems like it will be ok. Also, Crystal a lot of professors take your situation into consideration. I was surprised to find out how many mothers there were in day classes as well as students who work full time...and those who do all three like myself. Most professors really take that into consideration...as far as being irritated by the students...I get that in my Saturday class just like my day classes, lol!
ReplyDeleteOh...and to all the students who hope to TRANSFER...I ask you to look deeply into the reason you want to transfer. I have transfered many time because of circumstances beyond my control...never because I didn't like a school. I'm sorry to say this..but you can take it from a student who has been to many different types of schools..Clark Atlanta, UNC Charlotte, and even summer school at NC State...EACH school has it's issues...if it's not administration it's student drama or whatever...Don't let those things push you back in getting an education..each time you transfer you push yourself back further..even if it's just by 3 credit hours..I admit...I'm not crazy about Shaw U..I think that financial aid..the business office...records and registration....the class rooms...the the buildings...the parking...the union..the gym..and curriculum ALL need work...but so do the STUDENTS...that's why it's important that all the students who are complaining do SOMETHING to help improve this place...but I will say...Shaw is full of history and they also have some quality professors!!
When my advisor told me i needed to take this course my first thoughts were, o no i don't want to fail.My goals for this course is to not only pass, but to actually learn something that can further my education in social work, i really want to do well this semester and because i know you are one of the best teachers here at Shaw university it will not be a problem for me to meet my goal.
ReplyDeleteI have always felt like I was a better math student than I was an English student. When I first found out that I would have to take this class was sort of anxious. However last I did not do that well in my math class and that has put me on reserve for this class. I will still continue to work hard and improve me math skill and hopefully I can restore my confidence in math. What I expect to learn from this course in Elementary Statistics is the fundamentals of research and statistics. I believe that this class will teach myself and the other students the best was to carry out researches and the best ways to report our findings. I hope that this will be attention grabbing like it was on the first day, because I think that research and data is something that could easily bore me. I hope that everyone has a good semester in this class and all of their other classes.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Crystal and Jasmine I really appreciate your comments. I do prefer the CAPE because of the distance I have to travel and time but I will make the best of it. I have been working very hard since day one and will graduate in 3 years instead of 4. So bring it Dr. Greenfield. lol
ReplyDeleteNumbers and formulas,AHHhhhhhhhhh! i just pulled out the book from last semesters math class,Dr. Wurie, was ok,not real patient person but helpful,he tried to figure out why i could do the class participation and work,but couldn't pass the test(well),not sure if it is anxiety or what, it seems like the information drains right out of my brain when it comes to test. I sat in the front,took all the notes and could not pass the test, ok i passed them but barely. With Sociology, english,etc, i can mentally visualize what the teacher said, or what i read, to pass the classes,math i go into a coma. I took this class because i have sort of learned Greenfields method of teaching, and as everyone has stated and seen,he makes class interesting.So let the games begin!!!!
ReplyDeleteHonestley when my advisor told me i had to take this class i didnt have to many concerns, but when i found out Dr. Greenfeild was going to be the instructor i felt like i was a kid whose parents said they would take me to the toy store and i was just waitng at the door until it was time to leave! (CORNEY I KNOW!)lol! I worship the teaching style that greenfield uses to the point where i find myself comparing my other professors to him. I just want to throw a shout to what tanisha said about actually learning one thing about a greenfield class that you shoul know is that you dont have a choice your going to learn as long as you come! IM OUT!
ReplyDeleteTeNisha,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when my advisor told me I had to take Stats. I really want to do good too. I have to keep my GPA where its at. I'm trying to find some scholarship money somewhere. How long have you wanted to be in the social work field?
Finally back in the realm of modern communication!!! I just spent the weekend in my mothers hometown which isn't on most printed maps... But anyway, my fathers sister and some of her friends came all the way up from Louisiana to attend the inauguration and they made a Louisiana Boil(OMG it was so good!). The biggest shrimp i've ever seen, turkey necks, neck bones, pigs feet (I don't eat them), corn on the cob, potatoes, onions, and a lot more food.
ReplyDeleteBesides good food and fun with my family, i guess i'm ready to head back to Raleigh in time for this class... On the subject of class however, I'm not too entirely fond of the Math and science fields however, this semester I suspect it will be a nice break from all of my other classes which are rooted in applied theories. So, looking forward to the semester.
Dontrell,
ReplyDeleteThat whole kid in a toy store thing had me rollin. You seem like a cool dude. Honestly, this might be the only class in my school history that I show up too every day and on time.LOL I don't think anyone will miss his class. You Dr. Greenfield have to be a good instructor to have perfect attendance.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI hope you brought back some of that good food...I'll take the pigs feet (love them) whenever I get back to the country...I love them...The food up here is not good to the soul...lol!
This blog is very entertaining! I attended a wonderful King Day march and service today... what a time to be alive!
ReplyDeleteCrystal,
ReplyDeleteI went through the same exact thing last semester in MAT 115. I did good on my classwork, homework and class participation(I was even helping some of the other students), but when it was time for a test I instantly froze up. Unfortunately I only made it out of the class with a C. This semester seems like it will be a little easier since Dr. Greenfield is a patient professor and makes things more interesting. So hopefully we will excell in all aspects of the class.
Man this concussion got me all jacked up!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI almost forgot the assignment. Honestly, I did not know what statistics was. I took the class because greenfield was the teacher. I could relate and understand him better than many teachers at Shaw University. My major is ????????????? I don't know what it is! I'm in ALL majors. my plan is learn information from all majors. I want to be able to do everything or at least have some understanding about it.UMMMMMMM....I am blessed that I am alive and still striving for excellence(THANKS PRES. NEWSOME) I am currently working with many producers that are helping me with my 1st album CHARM SKOOL...and IM OUT
Dr. Greenfield,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you're in such good spirits, because I am NOT! I posted this on my personal blog, but I feel like I should share it amoung my peers...I am completely embarrased and considering jumping in my car around 2 am and going home!! This Barack train has gotten completely out of hand..and it's becoming a spectacle...I've seen sooo many things today that make me want to weep for our people and made me realize just HOW FAR WE STILL HAVE TO GO!! I know there are many people that won't agree with me, but I also know that there have to be so people that do..
MLK Jr. said that one day we would be looked at and spoken on based on the CONTENT of our CHARACTER and not the COLOR of our skin...and black people are going exactly against his beliefs right now...We need to take a second and STOP making it only about his blackness because some blacks and whites are basing his blackness on their ignorant level of black which is completely inadequate for this event...occasion...or whatever you wanna call it...
If you need an example..A HIP HOP INAGUARAL BALL HOSTED BY YOUNG JEEZY...??? Are you f'n serious? I'm starting to believe that the Repubs were right..the world was NOT ready..I mean...hearing "My President is Black" 1 time was good enough..but it's been on blast since I got here...
Is nobody else embarrassed??? Barack Obama is soo many other things than BLACK...Don't get me wrong...I'm honored that my president is black..but I'm even more honored to have an inspirational, intelligent man in office...someone who can bring a change to the way this country is ran...This shouldn't be about celebs paying tribute..or how they feel...you can't imagine how much time has been spent in the media and up here on just how celebrities view this event...how about the homeless shelters...how about the oppressed??
I didn't ride the Obama train from the very beginning..he had to win my vote...I knew his issues..and I can honestly say..the majority of these people here don't give a DAMN about the issues..or change...they are here for the parties..and because HE'S BLACK..
I hate seeing my people making a spectacle of themselves...did they show Clinton on Air Force 1 for his first time on CNN?? NO...what about touring the oval office...NO...they are treating this man like he's something abnormal..
I'm proud of OBAMA...but I'm ashamed right now...my president is black...but my lambo ain't blue...I didn't pop champagne for Barack's campaign..
I dunno...I'm just bothered...this is about sooo much more...we're in a recession...we're at war...we have one of the highest unemployment rates ever...the democrats are back in power..and we are making a spectacle of ourselves just for more David Dukes to get on air and on their far right media channels and have a good laugh at our expense...
yea..I rambled..but..I've had enough...we've got to do better...rolling blunts at the inagural block parties???? C'mon..
Sorry if my spelling was skewed...so is my brain right now...
And if I see one more thing about Beyonce and Jay-Z...I'm gonna freakin scream...this is not at all about them...weren't they one of the highest grossing couples last year?? Where were they when Kerry was running...when we could've ended this 4 years ago?? Who cares how they feel or where they are performing??? Is that what this is really about..I was hype about seeing Jon Bon Jovi..but..that's a little different...:)..plus..he hasn't been on overkill this entire election..A lot of people are missing it...
ReplyDeleteI should've voted for Ron Paul...or Hillary..I dunno..I just hate that we were soo unprepared for something so great!
Irvin,
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to work with children since a little girl,as i became older i then wanted to help people in anyway possible. Starting college there was no other major i would have wanted to be apart of but Social work because both of my life long dreams are were in the making, helping others and being a part of childerns lives.
Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you are coming from. Beyonce is really a great individual but too much spotlight is being put on her and her too old husband. And if I hear one more thing about her beef with Ciara over that Diva song I'll be hitting the fan right behind you.
Jasmine,
I completely agree with you on this whole "My President is Black thing." I can't even tell you how many people were on facebook the night he won and put that status up. People screaming about how white people are being funny, but no one understands that caucasions are most of our population. Do you honestly think that without them BArack would be in office? Seriously! I can't even tell you how many people I know that are blacker than me screaming about how McCain should've won. So what does that tell you? I feel that black people are being very ignorant speaking the things they have about Barack being president. I'm tired of it personally.
had some difficulties... i, just like everybody else, has to hop on the bandwagon and praise Greenfield and his passion for students whether they have attended a class with him or not! i am gonna enjoy this stats class because it will "teach" me how to challenge statistics i may see on the news, or in a packet, etc.
ReplyDeleteJamaal- the good thing about being around a teacher like DG is he will put you/everyone in a situation in which we all feel llike family and the lack of communication between students will be broken, so if you may need help and i understand the information..i got u fam!
jasmine Winston- all i want is a copy of a pic..please?
Jd- the whole you not having a major thing is kinda cool.. you want to be able to do everything and i dig it! that's what's good!
YAYY!!! IT WORKS..I FEEL COOL NOW!
ReplyDeleteJasmine,
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I had a few worries about being a mother in traditional college. But what I found out was there are far more parents in college than we think. I also believe we all deserve a round of applause for not allowing our situations negatively determine our future. So for your efforts I applaud you and all the other mothers and fathers in our class and at our school.
2009 INAUGURATION,
I am so excited to be back in Raleigh after being in D.C. for the past 4days! The Inauguration was indescribable! I mean we did have our challenges but it was all worth it. Although we walked well over 35 (city blocks) in two days, stood outside in the blistering cold, drove all over D.C. looking for hats, gloves and foot warmers (to no avail on the foot warmers…which where sold out all over the DMV area), being stuck in the midst of crowds of thousands, USSS(US Secret Service)/Police/National Guard on every corner waiting for someone to act up! It went on with out a hitch….until they messed up on the swearing in! (LOL) The one shocking thing I learned was as a natural born citizen of the USA I wasn’t as patriotic as I thought! A Trinidadian/American was more patriotic than I was. This was confirmed simply by the fact that she owned an American flag and I didn’t! But I am glad to say that I am a proud owner of a American flag and the next time the pledge of allegiance is recited, I wont stand because I have to I will stand and recite it verbatim because I BELIEVE IT! I PROUD 2 Be an AMERICAN!
CONGRATS AMERICA WE FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT!
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ReplyDeleteoh and JD,
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS on the album in advance. I am a fan of ur lyrical abilities...but dont get too happy CHARM SCHOOL REJECT/FLUNKY! LOL
had a little Spelling mishap. Im still thawing from the inauguration! Pray for me lol
This past inauguration weekend was awesome one in deed and I am so glad I was able to witness it. The weekend was jam packed with things to do. Such as, the “We Are One Concert” on the Lincoln Memorial, inaugural parties and of course the inauguration itself. The atmosphere was so cheerful and it truly felt as though we were all truly one. An example of that united feeling occurred when the crowd of 1 million plus people headed toward the national mall. Everyone was joyous and seemed to be working together, despite the police and soldiers lack of having sufficient answers to give. The most rewarding feeling occurred when the words had been announced that Obama was finally president. Immediately after that occurred the crowd roared, people that did not even know each other hugged and a flock birds had begun to fly as though they had been on queue. It was truly a fantastic sight to see!
ReplyDeleteI really feel like im late.. Well i hate math because it hates me...lol. It just so happens that the maths that i have taken in college i've done okay with but thats because i had the right teacher.I have dreaded taking statistics since my freshmen year because i have heard that it is one of the complicated maths with words, logics, and numbers!!! I told Dr. Greenfield last semester that i looked forward to being in his class because of the laid back approach he had with his students. Just seeing his interactions with his students in the International Studies building had me intrigued. Well i havent been to class as of yet but i look forward to meeting everyone in class on tuesday.From reading a couple of the comments posted i feel secure that i have made the right choice in choosing Dr. Greenfield as my instructor. The knowledge of Statistics is a gift that is needed in my major Criminal Justice. Hopefully I will excel in this course!!
ReplyDeleteOMG I finally figured out how to work this blog. It took me a minute but i didn't give up, now that i got the hang of it, it's kinda fun. Nice going Greenfield.
ReplyDeleteOk DG where do these questions come from?? i had to look up the word "objective" to try and answer this question.One of the definitions says" determined by the realities of the thing dealt with rather than the thoughts of writer or speaker, w/o bias or prejudgment" so no i don't think it will be considered "totally" factual, because of the human influence and interpretation. The numbers stay the same but the facts change due to humans. I am going to take a stab at an example:taking a survey : the number of people being surveyed is true, but the answers they may or may not give influence the survey because of the interpretation,understanding,or thought process,and if they are answering "objectively" and honestly. So the outcome may not be determined because of the answer not the #. i know there is no right or wrong to you DG, but honestly....does that make since?
ReplyDelete