Bruckner Learning Center

Math Emporium

Contact

Parent FAQs

The Math Emporium is located in Green Hall Room.
 

The best place to find quick answers is the Student FAQs section.  Your son should find plenty of information there to help him prepare.  While you will find some of the same information here from a parent's perspective, you might want to take a look at the Student FAQs yourself to help ease your concerns

The Math Emporium is indeed a very large classroom; however, it is also very personal. When you walk through the doors for the first time, it may appear that we are nothing but a roomful of computers. While it is true that the Emporium contains over 250 computer workstations, a closer look will reveal a comprehensive mathematics learning center with plenty of math faculty and staff readily available. The computers are arranged in long rows with rolling chairs for ease of access. Along the back wall of the room are two private workrooms which can be used for one-on-one tutoring. The classroom in the emporium is used for weekly class meetings and lectures which students may choose to attend if they want additional instruction from a professor.

  • 4.How can my child possibly learn math online?

    Courses provided through the Math Emporium are not "online courses". Even so, while some high schools do offer math classes in an online format, we know that most of our students' previous math experience was in small classes where they met with the same teacher at the same time 5 days a week. No matter what the method of delivery, a college math class is not going to mimic that experience. As college educators, we know that's a good thing as your child will grow more responsible for his own learning. We will help him make the transition to college math courses.

    Course materials are delivered online in the Math Emporium.  The textbook can either be an electronic book or a printed copy purchased through the university’s bookstore. Everything else is face-to-face human contact. In weekly class meetings, faculty members provide instruction on the upcoming week’s lesson. Faculty and tutors are available in the Math Emporium throughout the week if he needs help with a math problem or advice on his progress. Help sessions are offered throughout the semester. Additionally, students can schedule to work with a specific tutor. Students can communicate with their instructor by e-mail or personal conferences.

  • 5.How are students tested in a Math Emporium course?

    Assessments in Math Emporium courses are designed to encourage and reward students for solving math problems. Every week, they are given a specific date and time before which they must complete assignments and take an online graded quiz on a set of topics covered in the videos and textbook. Students take three tests and a comprehensive final exam.
    Students prepare for tests by completing practice tests and test reviews.In order to progress to a quiz, a mastery grade of 80% must be met in the homework. A grade of either 80% (MATH 100 & 110) or 70% (MATH 115, 121, & 201) must be met on each quiz.  This helps to ensure that the majority of material is understood by the student before he will be tested on it.

  • 6.My son has heard there are four hours of Math Emporium time required each week. Why is this a requirement?

    It may sound like a lot of time but the required four hours for Math 100 and Math 110 includes class time either MWF or TR. Your son is credited with time spent attending scheduled class time and then needs to work additional time in the Math Emporium to total four hours for the week in order to earn the total participation points for the week. The scheduled time is intended to ensure she works in an environment where knowledgeable help is available.

  • 7.How can my child get help if she is struggling with her math class?

    In a Math Emporium course, students have the opportunity to receive help in the manner and schedule that best fits their individual needs. In addition to the experienced math faculty who work in the Emporium, we have undergraduate student tutors and staff tutors, who have met strict requirements in order to be able to become a tutor in the Math Emporium. If your child needs more personal guidance, he can see his instructor anytime during his scheduled hours at the Emporium.

  • 8.My child tells me that the tutors at the Math Emporium do not answer his questions.  Why won't they show him the solutions to his problems?

    Every part of a Math Emporium course, including the textbook, the help provided at the Emporium, and online assignments, is designed with one thing in mind. Students learn math by doing math, not by watching someone else do math.
    The tutors attend a training session where they learn ways to help students solve problems on their own. If your child asks a tutor for help, the tutor will probably start asking him questions in return to determine where his confusion lies. The tutors are not here to impress your son with their knowledge, but to guide your son to understand the concepts and find the solution to problems on his own.
     
  • 9.My daughter sounds so worried about her math class.  What can I do to help her?

    It is never easy to hear your child sound anxious about anything. This is especially true if she is living away from home for the first time. Our instructors have years of experience with students in freshman-level mathematics courses and offer the following suggestions:
    Students need to learn effective time-management skills rather quickly. Start assignments the day of class.  It is not wise for her to wait several days after the material is presented to begin working on her assignments.  Especially encourage her to seek help early and often. She may find that attending the help sessions every week will give her the confidence to be more successful on her own. Working at the Math Emporium rather than in her own room can provide the opportunity to receive help with smaller amounts of material at a time.

    If she seems to be doing all the right things and still feels discouraged, tell her to send an e-mail to her instructor or meet with her instructor, explaining her concerns. It may take time, but with your encouragement and our help, she will most likely become a more independent and successful math student. However, it is possible that your daughter's concern about her math class is part of a larger picture, and we encourage you to seek help from other resources on campus if necessary.