Many Howard students dread Algebra and many other Mathematics courses because of the complex mathematical language, which at the very least involve equations or finding slopes and gradients of lines.
However, for some, the main challenge is understanding a professor who may seem to speak another language.
A number of students have concerns about the difficulty of understanding their math professor's accent.
Some students are finding ways around their professors' accents by looking for other methods of comprehending what is being said. Students included in this article have requested that their names be changed so as not to affect their grades.
Freshman psychology major, Mary Brown, has problems understanding her professor.
"It is very hard to understand my math professor's accent until she writes on the board, but I'm getting used to her accent now," Brown said.
Professor Louise Raphael confirms that it is possible to become acclimated to another person's accent to the point where understanding them clearly is not as difficult.
She also gives a few suggestions for students, who have teachers with unfamiliar accents.
"If a student does not understand what the teacher is saying, first, they should ask for the teacher to repeat it slowly," Raphael said. "Secondly, students should try to adapt their ear to the accent."
Not all math professors have incomprehensible accents.
Chemical engineering major, Misty Hart, says that her math professor has a problem projecting his voice.
"I have a hard time understanding him due to the fact that he does not speak loudly enough," Hart said.
While students do have problems understanding professors' accents, according to Abdul-Aziz Yakubu, professor of Mathematics, some students have other problems, especially poor attendance.
"It is very difficult to get students in general to come to class. Attendance is crucial," Yakubu said.
He maintains that the professor's accent may be only part of the reasons for a student not being able to master the concepts of the class. "Math is a highly demanding course. You have to practice it like crazy," Yakubu said.
Shannon Mosley, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, says some students have found their solution.
"Most have given up and look confused the whole time or they are just inattentive and sleeping," Mosley said.
Yakubu suggests students take advantage of the professor's office hours.
"Time outside of class with the professor allows a one-on-one opportunity for the student to become more familiar with his or her accent," Yakubu said. "It gives a chance for the student to actually learn the math."
Louis Shapiro, the head of the math department, was unavailable for an interview concerning the issue.
