LRC Math Lab

LRC Math Lab
LRC Math Lab

LRC Math Lab

The LRC Math Lab provides math assistance to UAA students at all levels, primarily helping students with algebra. Certified and formally trained tutors offer help for those seeking to improve their math, testing, and study skills. Computers with math software are available to aid students in increasing their math skills.

Services Offered

Math Lab tutors work with students at all levels to help improve and integrate their math and reasoning skills into regular study habits through one-on-one discussions of their work. Our goal is our students’ long-term improvement in their work. 

Format of Service Delivery

The goal of the LRC Math Lab is to promote productive learning.  LRC Math Lab Tutors work to help students better understand math concepts by answering questions as they arise or by helping students locate a resource that will provide assistance. The LRC Math Lab is an open lab where tutors rotate from student to student after short sessions. Our goal is not only to help students with the particular problem(s) they are working on, but ultimately to understand the underlying concept(s) so they can use it in the future.

Testing

Tests can be taken in the Testing Center anytime the LRC Math Lab is open, but they must be started at least an hour before the lab closes and they are collected promptly at closing. Students who test in the LRC Math Lab can also review and study tests they have taken, once their instructor has graded and returned them.
 
LRC Math Lab Hours

Fall and Spring Semesters:

Monday - Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday - Sunday
Noon - 5:00 p.m.  

Summer Semester:
May 19 - August 3, 2013

Monday - Thursday
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Please call for
further information:
907-786-6828

The LRC Math Lab has
been moved to SMH 118
(inside the Reading &
Writing Center) for the
Summer 2013 Semester

 

How to Prepare for Your Session

In order to get the most out of your tutoring session at the LRC Math Lab, we encourage you to come prepared. The following tips will help you to prepare for your tutoring session:
  • Go to class

    • LRC Math Lab Tutors are very knowledgeable, but they are students, not professors.

    • The lab is too busy for tutors to provide students with all of the content from a class period.

    • Your instructor knows exactly how they want you to do the problems and express your answers.
  • Attempt the problem

    • Doing as much of a problem as you can will make it much easier for tutors to identify the difficulty you are having and to better help you to understand the material.  
  • Write down questions that come to mind as you study

    • These can be excellent starting points for your interactive tutoring session.
  • Bring a copy of your class notes

    • If you did not understand something from class, notes will help tutors understand how your instructor was presenting the concept.
  • Bring your assignment

    • Reading the instructor’s expectations can help the tutor understand the objectives and expectations for your work, and will increase the effectiveness of the session.
  • Bring the text book

    • Some texts present ideas in different ways. If the tutor can see how your book’s author does the problems, they can better explain them.

  • Plan time to wait, as well as time for the session

    • Rushed tutoring is less effective. Because the LRC Math Lab is often quite busy and tutors rove amongst students, you may have to wait a little while for tutoring. This is a great time to work on your assignment(s), and the LRC Math Lab maintains computers and print resources for you to use while you wait.

What to do during your session

Tutoring sessions in the LRC Math Lab are most useful when both tutor and tutee participate in the session. The following tips will help you to get the most from your session:
  • Engage with your tutor and actively participate in the session

    • Learning is interactive and dialogic. Tutors will ask you questions and may make some suggestions, but your writing belongs to you as both a product and responsibility.
  • Ask questions!

    • Tutoring sessions are learning-centered. Let your tutor know when you are unsure of their meaning or need clarification of a concept.
  • Turn off your phone

    • As a courtesy for others in the lab and to ensure your focus, silence your phone and refrain from answering calls or texts during your tutoring session.

What to do following your session

After your session in the LRC Math Lab it is important to integrate what you learned into your work. The following tips will help ensure that you are continually learning and improving your math skills:

  • Review, study and explain

    • Once you have reviewed your work, feel welcome to ask additional questions and to come back for additional tutoring.

    • After taking a test, make sure you review the questions you missed so that you understand them for the future. Our tutors can answer questions about your graded tests.

    • Access the LRC Library for additional resources that you can use independently.

    • Form study groups with your friends or classmates. Explaining concepts to someone else helps you to understand it yourself.

Online Resources

SLED Online Tutoring- As part of the Learning Resources Center's integrated approach to tutoring services, SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway) is available for all UAA students in the areas of English, math, science, social studies, and study skills. Sign in for a live online tutoring session through the Live Homework Help service website at http://sled.alaska.edu/homework.html. This online service is offered seven days a week and is available from 1 p.m. - midnight.  SLED Online Tutoring Service


Khan Academy is another free online resource with lessons on a wide array of mathematical concepts. They have a full math curriculum from pre-algebra through calculus complete with problem sets. Khan Academy can be accessed via www.khanacademy.org.

 
CRLA and NTA Tutoring Certifications