Everyone has a different level of confidence when it comes to the study of mathematics, and it is not uncommon for otherwise gung-ho college students to experience anxiety at the prospect of taking courses numerical in nature.
Thanks, however, to the award-winning Math Outreach Center (MOC) at Amarillo College, math anxiety for most students swiftly becomes – quite like the abacus – a thing of the past.
The MOC is a drop-in, no-charge, individualized tutoring lab that provides assistance for students at all levels of math in an atmosphere of total support.
Richard De La Cruz knows just how truly supportive it can be. Well on his way to a degree in computer information systems, De La Cruz admits he avoided taking a required class – College Algebra – one semester after the next.
“I was putting it off until the end of my degree because I hadn’t taken algebra in 20 years and I was really very nervous about it,” he said. “I definitely lacked confidence and was afraid I would surely struggle.”
Then last Spring Semester, De La Cruz faced his fear and enrolled in a College Algebra night class. It was of course at that juncture of his education that he became acquainted with the tutoring opportunities afforded by the MOC, which all AC students of math are invited to visit as often as they like.
“I was in there something like four and five days a week at the start of the semester,” he said, “and, wow, the lab assistants are so helpful and encouraging. They are patient and work with you for as long as it takes for you to understand what you are doing.
“It’s really amazing how quickly you can get over your fears,” De La Cruz said. “I tell anyone who is having anxiety about taking a math class that if they are willing to put in time at the Math Outreach Center, they’re absolutely going to get it and succeed.”
De La Cruz not only excelled in the subject of his unease, he became confident enough in algebra to help some of his classmates achieve success, too; he took it upon himself to organize a well-attended study session for his entire class at the public library during finals week.
“I’m so proud of Richard,” said Edie Carter, professor of mathematics. “He ended up leading a study session for our entire class and together they did great things.
“Richard’s fear of math all but vanished and he finished the class with an exceptional grade point average. It was a total transformation. Way to go, Richard.”
The MOC was established at AC in 2005, and test scores of students who frequent it commonly soar by as many as two letter grades.
Results like that have led to some widespread recognition for the College. The MOC in 2009 received a coveted and prestigious Star Award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The Center also received the John Champaign Memorial Award, only one of which is granted annually to an outstanding developmental-education program by the National Association for Developmental Education.
But the best accolades of all come from the AC students who rave after their math anxieties are vanquished and their grades skyrocket so soon after being warmly greeted by the welcoming staff at the Math Outreach Center.
Find it on the first floor of Durrett Hall on the Washington Street Campus.
July 28, 2016