If you’re behind on studying and think you can’t catch up, there is help.
Free services like the Math Lab and the Writers Lab are available to help students get their minds in shape for finals.
Though there’s no replacement for studying in advance, there’s still time to brush up on skills, according to Dianne L. Widman-Abbott, director of the Math Lab in 216 University Hall. For those who are behind, Widman-Abbott suggests reviewing old tests first. “If a skill’s not clear, go back and try to get that down.”
But waiting till the last minute to study is a poor subsitute when it comes to math because one chapter is vital to learning the next.
“The problem is that math builds on itself,” she said. “That’s the biggest problem we’re up against.”
If you’re a math student not looking for a tutor, the lab offers more.
“It’s not just a place for help,” she said. “‘A’ and ‘B’ students come to do their homework and study. It’s a whole learning environment.”
The lab’s resources — the staff and answer books in particular — help make it a good study spot.
“We have answers that aren’t in the back of the [textbook],” Widman-Abbott said.
The Writers Lab, in 303 Moseley Hall, is still open during finals week. Their busiest time, however, is actually the week before finals when students are preparing to turn in portfolios for their English classes, according to Barbara Toth, director of the Writers Lab.
Those students that still need help with papers can still get it — and they’ll get more than a proofread, according to Toth.
“We provide the student writer with informed reader feedback,” she said. “Does it make sense? Is it well developed?”
She cited student comments in a pamphlet promoting the center: “The consultant I worked with really helped me come to my own position,” one student said. “He guided me but didn’t write my paper.”
Learning to write well is important, and not just for getting an “A,” according to Toth.
As an example, Toth explained why students in criminal justice classes.
“If those police reports and victim reports are more accurate, then so much better can justice be carried out.”
But whether it’s writing or math, studying in a lab setting fuels learning, according to Widman-Abbott.
“It motivates (students) to study longer and harder,” she said. “It has made a difference, just by being here.”
STUDY LABINCLUDES DAY ‘ TIME
Algebra Lab
Math 090 ‘ Math 095Tues. ‘ Wed. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Stats Lab
Math 115 ‘ Stats 200, 211, 212 Tues. ‘ Wed. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Pre Calculus Lab
Math 120, 128, 129, 130Tues. ‘ Wed. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Math Education Lab
Math 213, 215, 216Wed. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Writers Lab
General writing assistanceMon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
