Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Math Lab?
The Math Lab is a free,
walk-in tutorial service which offers assistance to students in math courses
and in math-related courses. No
appointments are needed; students are helped on a first-come, first-served
basis. Because the lab is designed to assist as many students as possible, we
cannot offer extensive, one-on-one tutoring.
If you need extensive tutoring, you may want to consider hiring a
private tutor. (See "How can I hire a private tutor?" below.)
Why should I come to the
Math Lab?
If you're currently
enrolled in a math course, the Math Lab is a good place to sit and do your
homework. If you have any questions on
your homework assignment, a tutor will be available to answer them for you. Having your questions answered while you are
doing your homework will allow you to finish your assignments in less time and
with less frustration.
If you're having trouble
understanding the material that's being covered in class, our tutors can give
you a quick review of the mathematical concepts that are important to better
understanding. The Math Lab is not a
substitute for class, but if you miss a day of class, we can help you get
caught up on the material you missed.
If you are preparing for a
math assessment test, we can help you understand and review your test
preparation materials.
Who works in the Math Lab?
Math Lab tutors are
graduate and undergraduate UM-St. Louis students who are majoring in math,
education, business, computer science, physics, and other fields of study. A full-time faculty member supervises the
Math Lab.
What happens when I
come to the Math Lab?
It is important that we
keep track of the number of students who use our services. To help us compile statistics on Math Lab usage,
you will be asked to fill out a personal information form the first time you
visit the lab each semester. The
information you supply is used for statistical purposes only; instructors are
not given information about individual students.
On each subsequent visit,
you will be expected to check in and to check out by entering your student
number into a computer.
Once you are in the Math
Lab, feel free to make yourself comfortable at a table. Many students use the lab as a convenient
place to do their homework, so it's not unusual to see students quietly working
on their own in the Math Lab. If you have a question, don't hesitate to ask one
of our tutors. Even though they
sometimes seem preoccupied with other things, our tutors are always ready and willing
to help answer your questions.
The Math Lab is a place
where active learning occurs. If you like to be in stony silence while you
study, you may find the discussions taking place around you in the lab are a
distraction. If you need complete silence
to study, the Math Lab is still a good place to get your math questions
answered, but you may decide your intensive studying is better done in a place
like the library.
What else does the Math
Lab have to offer?
- Videos covering Beginning Algebra, Intermediate
Algebra, College Algebra and Basic Calculus
- Worksheets with useful information on selected
mathematical topics
- Computers linked to the student network
How can I use the Math
Lab's computers?
Computer use is also on a
first-come, first-served basis. There
are a few rules that you need to keep in mind when using our computers:
Our machines are intended
to be used primarily by students in math courses for work on their math
assignments. Priority will be given to
students who wish to use math software.
If the software you are using is not math related and your machine is
needed by a student who wants to use math software, you will be asked to save
your work and give up your machine.
When working with any
computer, it is always wise to save your work often. If your computer locks up or the system goes
down, any unsaved work will be lost.
Bring your own memory storage device to save your work.
You may print your work to
our networked printer. It is wise to
save your work before you print it.
When should I come to the
Math Lab?
You are welcome to visit
the Math Lab any time it is open. Why
not make the Math Lab a regular part of your study routine? Then when test time comes, you won't have to do
any frantic, last minute cramming; you already will be relaxed and ready for
the test.
As you might suspect, the
Math Lab tends to be busier during the testing periods (usually the fourth,
eighth, and the twelfth weeks of the semester) and during final exams. Keep in mind that when the Math Lab is busier
our tutors must divide their time among more students, so you may not be able
to get as much individual attention during those times.
How can I hire a private
tutor?
The Department of
Mathematics and Computer Science maintains a list of students qualified to
tutor in specific courses. The terms of
your tutoring, including meeting arrangements and rate of pay, must be
negotiated between you and your private tutor.
The Department of Mathematics of Computer Science merely maintains the
list of approved tutors and disclaims any further responsibility.
Where is the Math Lab?
The Math Lab is in 425
SSB. The phone number is 314-516-5190.
Math Lab Hours
Click here for current semester
hours
Math Lab, 425 SSB
stangera@umsl.edu
Last Update: August 6, 2007