What is the Math Center?
The Math Center is an inviting and comfortable place for students to learn mathematics. Center staff provide a nurturing environment designed to help students who are either working on assigned homework or asking questions about unfamiliar math concepts.
Our purpose is to help students develop a better understanding of mathematics through one-on-one tutoring with instructional associates and faculty. We encourage students to be independent and work on their assignments as much as possible by themselves or with other students before requesting staff assistance. This enables students to have a better idea of exactly which elements of an assignment are the most confusing.
What Does the Math Center Offer?
Equipment
Students can use the center's Macintosh computers to solve homework assignments that use Excel, Minitab, Word, Mathematica, Graphical Analysis, Self-Paced Math Tutorial and Geometer's Sketchpad software applications.
Experts
Math Center tutorial services are provided by Foothill College mathematics faculty and instructional associates. Instructional associates generally hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field. Math Center staff primarily help students enrolled in Foothill math classes, however staff may be able to help with related subjects such as chemistry or physics.
How Do I Use the Math Center?
Each time you come to the center for assistance, simply complete the following steps to receive tutoring services:
Step One:Log in your name, student identification number and course name on the computer next to the main entrance.
Step Two:If you need help, sign in on the clipboard on the main desk. The next available staff member will call your name and assist you.
Step Three:Be certain to log out on the center computer before you leave.
Important Reminders
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Math students receive priority over chemistry or physics students. |
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Foothill students receive priority over students from other schools. |
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Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the center. You are responsible for cleaning up your area before you leave the center. |
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Save all your computer work to a disk that you provide. |
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Recycle all scratch paper in the boxes by the front door. |
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A faculty member may choose to help students enrolled in his/her courses before helping students listed on the sign-up sheet. |
Hours of Operation
Math Center assistance is offered on a drop-in basis. Appointments are not necessary. During Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, Math Center hours* are:
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Hours listed are subject to change. To verify center hours, call (650) 949-7042.
Appropriate Student Conduct & Etiquette
As a Foothill College student, you join a community of scholars who are committed to excellence in the teaching and learning process. We expect that all students will pursue their studies with integrity and rigor.
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Course success is primarily your responsibly. To that end, Math Center faculty, staff and tutors are here to help you. Be polite to them. These people spend their entire day helping students. You can make their task more enjoyable if you treat them nicely.
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It is a violation of the Foothill College academic honesty policy to ask Math Center tutors/faculty to do your homework for you or check all your homework problems. Tutors and faculty who work in the Math Center will report such violations to your instructor.
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It is a violation of the Foothill College academic honesty policy to request a Math Center staff member help you with projects and other special problems for which your instructor has specifically directed you to work alone or with classmates. Tutors and faculty who work in the Math Center will report such violations to your instructor.
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Generally, tutors may spend about 10 minutes with each student. If you feel you need more help than this time limit permits, you may sign up again.
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Tutors will help you get started on a problem. You are then responsible for making a genuine effort to progress through the problem before requesting help again.
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Be certain that you have made a genuine attempt to solve the problem before you request additional help. This attempt ensures that the tutor will have an idea of how best to assist you in solving the problem.
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You are responsible for planning and providing adequate time to receive tutoring from Math Center staff. Schedule your time in the Math Center well in advance of your assignment's deadline.
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Not all Math Center faculty and staff are able to assist you with all levels of math courses taught at Foothill College. Help in areas such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra or differential equations may be available on a limited basis. |
