TMCnet News
SRU's New Math Emporium Calculates Learning Advantages; Adds Tutoring(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa., Oct. 10 -- Slippery Rock University issued the following news release: In Slippery Rock University's new Math Emporium in Bailey Library, the computer is king. Students use computers to work on homework or take tests at their own pace during class. Professors and 20 paid student tutors serve as roving guides, delivering on-demand help for a more individualized learning approach. "The emporium is not only a benefit to students taking courses, but it is also a great opportunity for our math education students to gain valuable experience working with students in a closely mentored environment," said Richard Marchand, SRU professor of mathematics. The emporium, which SRU converted on the second floor of Bailey Library and equipped with 60 computer workstations and whiteboards on front and side walls, supports both the emporium model and the flipped classroom model, he said. Both models leverage technology to improve learning. The emporium model can accelerate the learning process and allow students to finish a course well before the end of a traditional semester. The professor functions as a learning facilitator, and students solve problems and make discoveries as independent, active learners, he said. Math-specific software provides a collection of online homework, tutorial and assessment products designed with a single purpose: improved learning. Professors monitor student progress in real time and initiate personalized instruction based on a student's performance. The flip model places students into groups for research and discovery, with classrooms sometimes used by different departments. SRU opened a flip classroom in North Hall that physics, exercise science and geography share. SRU offers three classes in the emporium: "Elementary Statistics I," "Beginning Algebra" and "Intermediate Algebra," with more classes coming in the future. SRU's Math Emporium offers open lab hours staffed by two lab assistants. These labs are available on a walk-in basis for students taking any of the courses taught in the emporium. The open lab is staffed during SRU's 12:30-1:30 p.m. common hour and weekdays until 8 p.m. "The emporium is a great development for SRU," said Kyrie Hartzell, a math education major from State College who serves as a classroom tutor. "This is a big classroom, so more students can get into their required math classes." "Students can watch videos on math lessons and then work on their own individual work in class and get personal attention from professors or tutors instead of sitting all period listening to a lecture and going home confused, which is something I know happens to students a lot," she said. "It's also great for students to come in and work outside of class during the lab hours because of the assistance they can get now with a designated area strictly for math classes." Hartzell said teacher-student relationships grow since students receive individual attention on just the problems they need help with. It's more self-paced and independent which helps with engagement. "This is really the first time I have been able to take on more of a teacher role, which is wonderful as a math education major," Hartzell said. "It not only clarifies for me that this is what I want to do, it helps me learn ways to be a great teacher. I am taking classes in the emporium and I also am tutoring, so I get to see both perspectives of the room." Marchand said SRU tried the emporium approach in math 15 years ago on a smaller scale, but the technology was not reliable enough for it to be successful. The Internet was still being developed. He said the creation of the lab was a team effort. Mary Ann King, SRU director of academic resources in academic affairs, oversaw design and construction. Erik Anderson, interim manager of information technology services, led the equipment installation. Mark Campbell, assistant professor and coordinator the Tutorial Center, manages the student tutors who work in the emporium. "I am very proud of the Herculean effort made by all of the people involved in this project to have it planned, online and running effectively within less than about five months of planning," said Marchand. CC AutoTriage10PkS-141011-30TacordaCheng-4896717 30TacordaCheng (c) 2014 Targeted News Service |