The following is a closing statement to this Portfolio. I hope you have enjoyed it.

As I finish the course, Algebra II(H), this year, I can see how much I have learned throughout the year. In the beginning of the year, I had no idea what to expect. I was told it was an extremely difficult course, but I really didn't know if it was going to be exceptionally easy or exceptionally hard. Obviously I was hoping for exceptionally easy, but I also did want to learn something. Now, I realize the course was neither too easy nor too hard. In addition to that, I learned a great deal.

From the beginning of the course I have grown intellectually. Except when we were reviewing, almost every week we learned new concepts. Then the rest of the week, through homework, and in-class discussion, we eventually grasped the concept. This happened all throughout the year. Throughout the year, we learned everything from quadratic to logarithmic equations.

In addition, we not only learned concepts throughout the year, but we also learned how to think things through logically. This way of thinking was already in place, but through the year, it was enhanced. The main way this was achieved was through the Math League Tests that we took every once in a while. These tests challenged me and everyone in the class a great deal. On the tests were questions that needed to be figured out, without really knowing how to go about doing so.

It wasn't just the Math League Tests, however, that helped with the processes of thinking logically. Simply learning in class from day to day, also help in this respect. Every day, our class was challenged to understand mathematical principles and concepts. Throughout the year, I couldn't help but notice that understanding these concepts became easier and easier.

I also learned a great deal from the in-class labs we did every once in a while. In these labs, we could finally see how mathematical concepts extended into real world situations. We also learned how certain shapes and functions, when graphed, were actually the same as things that occur naturally. For example, we would drop a basketball, and record its velocity throughout the drop. As expected, the speed of the ball gradually increased.

As strange as it seems, I also learned a great deal about the graphing calculator throughout the year. There was no way I was going to read through the 100+ page manual when getting the calculator. So, whenever we did something with the calculator, it was either explained step-by-step by Mr. Mundi, or I simply asked someone next to me. Either way, I learned a great deal more about the calculator in that class, than all I would ever learn from attempting to read the manual.

In conclusion, the year is over, and now I am able to move on to a whole new mathematical experience in Pre-Calculus(H). I definitely feel that I have learned a great deal throughout the whole year, and I hope that I can carry my new knowledge into the future.

-Keith Lehnert