Mathematics Learning Center (MLC)

The MLC is located in Academic Support on the second floor of Wright Hall. It is operated under the auspices of the and the Mathematical Sciences Department. The center provides academic assistance to students enrolled in math courses as need dictates. 

Vision

Our vision is to create educational experiences that combine support services, teaching and technology to develop mathematically competent students enrolled in math courses. 

Services

• Administer Math placement testing using ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation and Learning)
• Provide Math tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI)
• Coordinate ALEKS instruction
• Run MAT-Lab instructions (MAT-098, MAT-102, MAT-110 and MAT-111) 

+ Math Placement Testing

The Department of Mathematical Sciences requires placement assessment to determine readiness for various math courses. To that end, the department conducts math placement testing by using an online system called ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation and Learning). This system is administered by the Math Learning Center (MLC). 
Major MLC roles in placement testing are: 

• Setting up the placement cohorts and registering students on the system 
• Sending out students’ log-in credentials 
• Assisting students with the test preparation and all math placement concerns 
• Providing assistance to the test proctors 

 

+ Tutoring and SI

MLC provides tutoring and SI services with the help of a professional math tutor and student tutors to all math courses with the primary emphasis for students enrolled in entry level and gate keeper math courses. The tutoring center is located in Wright Hall room 205 and it is open for service Monday-Friday during business hours and in the evenings from 5:00PM-8:00PM as needed. The center provides a one-on-one tutoring service in SCIB room 210 for students who need special attention and close follow up, based on the recommendation from math faculty. MLC also facilitates supplemental instruction services to the math courses as needed. 
MLC tutors assist students mainly on: 

• Exercise problems 
• Class home works 
• ALEKS assignments 
• Exam Reviews 

+ ALEKS Instruction

ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is a web-based, artificial intelligent assessment and learning system. This system uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics s/he is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course s/he is taking. The Department of Mathematical Sciences uses ALEKS in four of its courses, MAT-098, MAT-102, MAT-110 and MAT-111, mainly for the purpose of assignments and MAT-Lab works. ALEKS instruction is administered and coordinated by MLC. These include:

• Generating ALEKS courses
• Setting up learning objectives, tests and assignment with due dates
• Reporting students’ progress in ALEKS to the respective math faculty
• Providing ALEKS users training as needed 

+ MAT-Lab Instruction

The Department of Mathematical Sciences has introduced mandatory lab sessions approved by the faculty for the courses, MAT-098, MAT-102, MAT-110 and MAT-111, to better serve students and increase retention in these courses. These MAT-Lab instructions are run by MLC. Activities carried out during the MAT-Lab session are:

• Objective based learning via ALEKS
• Class assignments, exercise problems and exam reviews.
• Supplemental Instructions as needed. 

+ Students in MAT-Lab

Students must obey the following MAT-Lab rules and regulations:

• Sign in (drop your ID) up on arrival and sign out (pick up your ID) at the end of your session
• Cell phone use is not allowed in the lab
• No food is allowed in the lab
• Do not leave the lab before your session ends, if you leave for the rest room, you must return in five minutes
• Be quiet, no talking is allowed except with the tutors
• Respect your tutors 

+ Tutors in MAT-Lab

Tutors must obey the following MAT-Lab rules and regulations:

• Report to work on time
• Sign in to and out of Paycor properly
• Put on the MLC tutors tag at all times
• Walk around the room and ask students if they need your assistance
• Always refresh your memories of the subject you are tutoring
• Listen to your students and treat them with respect
• Be a role model for your students