Related pages: Math Degree Choosing the right class Math Courses Math Home

Once you have enrolled in an appropriate Mathematics class we are hopeful that you will not need a great deal of extra help. Remember the best way to ensure success in a Mathematics class is to go to class every day, and do your assignments every day. Ten hours worth of work on Sunday does not equal two hours of work on Monday through Friday. Every Math class at Skyline assumes that you will be doing between 2 and 3 hours of homework for every hour you spend in class. Some students may need more time.

If you find that you still need help, this is what you should do.

1. Talk to your instructor. He or she is the best person to answer the day to day questions you may have. Instructors should give you their office numbers, office hours and phone numbers. Instructors hold office hours in order to answer individual questions from students when there may not be time to answer the questions in class. When you see your instructor be sure to have specific questions or topics of discussion in mind.

2. Talk to your fellow students. We at Skyline College strongly encourage students to work on Mathematics together. Students helping students can be a very powerful method for both sides to better understand the material. Exchange phone numbers with several students in the class. This will enable you to compare strategies and answers with others before you come to class. You must be careful in using this technique! It is of no value if one student does all the work and allows another student to copy it. To be effective, make sure that both parties understand the work. If you are still having trouble, see your instructor.

3. Go to The Learning Center. There is a Math Assistance Lab in the Learning Center where trained student tutors are available to assist students with problems and to answer questions. This is a drop-in service, and tutors will circulate during the designated hours. When you go to the Learning center, let one of the tutors know that you are there and need help. Have some work to do while you are waiting your turn. There are usually several students waiting for help. A tutor will get to you as soon as possible. When the tutor arrives, have a specific question to ask. The tutor should be able to answer your question, and point you in the right direction to continue your own work. Then the tutor will move on to the next student and get back to you in a few minutes. It is important that you have a block of time to spend in the Learning Center. At least half an hour is recommended.

Some of the other services available to Math students in the TLC are:

• Individualized tutoring for qualified students (These services are very limited)
• Video and audio tapes on specific topics in Mathematics
• Macintosh Computers
• Graphing Calculators