Mission
The mission of the Math Discovery Center is to provide a positive learning environment
and academic assistance to all Glendale Community College students enrolled in Math
courses, thereby empowering them to become independent learners as they pursue their
academic goals.
Eligibility
You are eligible to use the services of the Math Discovery Center if you are currently
enrolled in any of mathematics courses offered at Glendale Community College.
Academic Assistance
The Math Discovery Center offers all eligible GCC students academic assistance by
providing an equipped facility with available drop-in tutoring and computer software.
Drop-in Tutoring
The Math Discovery Center hires, trains, and schedules tutors in an attempt to maintain
at least one tutor on duty for every hour the center is open so that any eligible
student can have access to a tutor. “Drop-in” means that no appointment is necessary
to visit the Math Discovery Center.
Since the tutor on duty must help as many students as possible, tutors are available
for about three to five minutes per question. Our tutors are trained to assist students
by guiding them through the learning process, keeping the tutee in charge of their
learning. In other words, please do not expect our tutors to solve a problem for you,
rather expect them to provide suggestions as to how “you” can solve the problem.
Computers
The Math Discovery Center
has computers (PCs) for math activities such as Internet
research or computer assisted instruction. Two computers are dedicated to AI use.
Organization
The
Math Discovery Center is currently operated by the GCC Mathematics
Division and is under the leadership of a steering committee. The daily
operations of the center are supervised and managed by two Instructional Support Specialists.
The scheduled tutors are student
workers and faculty members of Mathematics department.
Tutor Training
Student
tutors are required to attend an initial training session followed by regular meetings
where tutoring topics are addressed. Such topics
include rules, policies, procedures, and tutorial strategies. The meetings are also
designed to provide support and stimulate teamwork.
Tutor Selection
Math
instructors recommend students to apply as tutors if they demonstrate a
potential and desire to tutor. A sub-committee then interviews and
selects the tutors for the beginning of each academic year or as needed. Having
successfully completed Math 103E (first semester calculus) and enrollment
at Math 104E is a desirable qualification when selecting tutors. Students who have
taken STAT C1000E (Statistics) are also encouraged to apply.
