Academic Advancement Center Special Programming for Underserved Students
Mathematics Department Curriculum Review and Targeted Tutoring
The Academic Advancement Center (AAC) provides peer-tutoring services for foundational biology, chemistry, engineering, math and physics courses to set students on a path toward academic success. Peer tutors and supplemental instruction leaders are trained to use best practices, and department-specific study areas provide an ideal learning environment that encourages students to collaborate and form study groups. Recently, the AAC implemented a STEM tutoring initiative that connects students needing support in multiple courses with cross-trained tutors. This initiative has been successful through collaborative efforts with the IT Department by developing a student success dashboard, allowing for early and ongoing student outreach.
The Mathematics Department emphasizes student success by continually refining its curriculum and course delivery, as well as offering targeted tutoring. Mathematics faculty review and modify their courses to prepare students for subsequent classes and to ensure graduates obtain skills for successful careers. In addition, faculty participate in workshops focused on innovative teaching strategies to adapt to students’ changing needs. To supplement services offered in the AAC, Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) tutor students with various levels of math skills in the Mathematics Awareness Program (MAP) Lab, located in the Mathematics Department. Armed with previous tutoring experience and training, MAP Lab GTAs deliver mandatory weekly sessions for students enrolled in Pre-Calculus Essentials (MA143). They additionally attend classes to help students during weekly in-class interactive work sessions and provide exam reviews. As a bonus, MAP Lab GTAs become better mathematicians and tutors, as effective teaching hinges on understanding and clearly communicating complex concepts.
6 | College of Arts & Sciences
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