Math Support

Overview

Benefiting most from ACE Math Support

Do I need appointment?

During the traditional students’ fall and spring semesters (September-May), students are welcome to walk into the ACE Lab.  To use the services the ACE Lab is located next to the cafeteria in the Utley Center/Westside Central.  You can call (248) 218-2173 or check the weekly schedule in the ACE Lab to confirm that a math tutor will be in the lab.

During the summer, ACE offers help on the main campus by appointment only. Please note, since the traditional students are not on campus summer tutoring is limited. If you anticipate needing a lot of math support please take that under consideration when scheduling your classes.

Check the main ACE page for hours and closed dates.

Who are the ACE Math Academic Assistants?

RC’s math tutors are traditional students who excel in Math courses. The tutors undergo extensive training and are expected to perform all tasks with a supportive, attentive attitude. If he/she does not know the answers to your questions, he/she is expected to help you find them. Concerns about ACE tutors should be addressed to ACE Director, Paula Bonbrisco,  pbonbrisco@rc.edu.

Which mathematics classes do they support?

Currently, the tutors provide assistance for Survey of Math, Beginning Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra, Pre-calculus and Calculus.

Are Math professors available for assistance?

Vivian Turner, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, devotes up to 5 hours a week in the ACE Lab and in scheduled math labs. Mrs. Turner’s weekly hours are posted in the ACE Lab or call (248) 218-2173 . In addition, all RC math instructors are willing to meet with students during office hours, check your class syllabus for those hours.

What should I bring when I come for assistance?

Bring your book, your assignment, your calculator, and your own class notes. You also should bring the assignment as you attempted it, for it is important to at least try the assignment before coming to a tutoring session. Note cards, used to record pertinent material for portable study, are also helpful.

What kind of assistance can I expect?

The tutors are trained to be encouraging and to help you build on your strengths in order gain confidence in math. The goal of the tutor is to help you develop a richer understanding of math concepts and not to just complete the assignment. The advantage of one-on-one tutoring is that the tutor can work with you until you understand the concept and can work the problems correctly. They are trained to ask leading questions that will direct you toward the correct steps. They will not do your assignment problems, but they will do similar problems until you can complete the assignment independently. The tutor will ask you to explain your thinking and will model their own thinking as he or she verbalizes and illustrates approaches to problem solving. ACE tutors will not assist you with take-home quizzes or exams.

Tips for doing well in math:

  • Attend all of your classes and take notes.
  • Practice math every day.
  • Use positive self-talk when referring to your abilities in math.
  • If you are struggling, get assistance regularly; do not wait for the exam study sessions.
  • When something is unclear, ask the instructor or tutor. All questions are valid!
  • Review your mistakes on exams and graded assignments