Math Emporium: A new way to learn math

At Liberty University, students are learning math differently than ever before. This decision is mutually beneficial for both the students and the professors. It’s called the Math Emporium, developed by the National Center for Academic transformation, whose motto reads, “Experts in improving learning and reducing cost in higher education.”

“This remedial approach to teaching lower-level math allows students to learn at an individual pace, while being cost effective,” Coordinator and Developmental Math Assistant Professor Dr. Kathy Spradlin said.

With more than 250 computers and comfortable workspace, this quiet math lab aids the student’s ability in retaining and better understanding math.

“Students can work at their own pace and receive individual assistance by the Math Emporium’s tutors and professors the moment help is needed,” Spradlin said.

The Math Emporium is open 80 hours each week, but only requires a minimum of three hours a week.

“Students are still required to meet in a classroom once a week for instructional time,” Spradlin said.

Now that students have more time to work on their math, there is the added chance to perform better and receive higher grades.

“Students can complete assignments, quizzes and tests one section at a time, and move on to the next if they desire. This means any student could potentially complete the course weeks before the semester ends,” Spradlin said.

“I actually like the Math Emporium a lot. I am able to go to the lab for just 15 minutes, or I can complete the required three hours in one sitting,” 22-year-old Aaron Williamson, a math student at Liberty, said.

The grading of coursework is structured differently in that it requires a score of at least 80 percent on assignments in order to continue to the next.

“I think the requirements for grading are better for students because it encourages students to learn the material, resulting in a better grade,” Williamson said.

Liberty is not the only school taking advantage of the Math Emporium.

“Other colleges and universities are using this remedial tool as well, such as Virginia Tech, University of Alabama and Louisiana State University, just to name a few,” Spradlin said.

It won’t be long before this emporium-styled class expands and is utilized by other courses.

“As of now, The Math Emporium is only available for lower-level math courses, but plans for additional math courses are in effect for the upcoming Fall semester,” Spradlin said.

Now that students are gifted with this new addition, it is possible to enhance learning abilities, as well as utilize math professionals in their efforts to guide a “math-handicapped” individual in the intended direction toward success. Students now have the ability to manage their time wisely while soaking up math in an easier format.