Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Never be Afraid to ASK for Help! By Marina Mizell

Classes at UMBC can sometimes feel intimidating and tough. STEM classes can be especially difficult, simply based on their class size and the scope of information presented. Where do you turn if you are going to every class and spending ample time studying, but still need to comprehend the information better, get some extra practice and guidance, and score higher on your tests? 

LRC
The Learning Resources Center, offers many ways to get help with different courses through walk-in tutoring, group tutoring, and paper revisions. No matter the class, there’s ALWAYS somewhere to ask for help!

CHEMISTRY
Do you need help with Chemistry? No problem! Check out the Chemistry Tutorial Center in Meyerhoff 145. The Chemistry Tutorial Center offers group tutoring for CHEM 101, 102, 351 and 352 for an hour at a time every day of the week. In fact, I find it helpful to sign up for group tutoring at the beginning of every semester, whether or not I may need it, just to secure a spot ahead of time. Group tutoring spots fill up FAST! It’s always good to prepare yourself just in case you may need assistance down the road. 
In the Chemistry Tutorial Center, students typically sign up for a group session in the beginning of the semester and attend weekly meetings. During these meetings, other students who have previously taken the course and received an A, will go over information presented in class, review exams or even offer review for approaching exams. Often times, they can clarify confusing topics or offer tricks for remembering complex information. Keep in mind, group tutoring isn’t just useful when you really need help, but can also turn that B into an A through more exposure to the material. A little extra practice never hurts!

BIOLOGY
Do you need help with Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, or Anatomy and Physiology? The Biology Tutorial Center, located in the basement of the Biological Sciences building, offers one-on-one tutoring for just about every Biology course that UMBC offers. On the Tutorial Center’s back wall, an enormous whiteboard lists all tutors and their contact information. If you’re wondering...tutoring through UMBC is always free! It’s already included in your tuition and fees, so why not utilize something for which you’re already paying? Not to mention, the computer lab in the Biology Tutorial Center also offers printing for 5 cents per page, which is half the cost of printing elsewhere on campus!

ENGLISH
English courses at UMBC can feel intimidating, especially if you haven’t taken a Writing Intensive course or you need help writing and editing assignments. Don’t worry! The Retriever Learning Center’s: Writing Center is available for help with any class! Located on the first floor of the AOK Library, the Writing Center offers one-on-one paper and essay reviews to help improve writing style and grammar. Some professors will even re-grade revised assignments if the Writing Center is used in the revision process. Even if you don’t have time to utilize the Writing Center, be sure to proofread your writing by reading it aloud!

MATH
Do you need help with your Statistics or Math courses or just want extra practice? The Math Lab, located in the Writing Center on the first floor of the AOK library, is a great place to find a Math tutor, form a group study session, or just get extra practice before your exam. Furthermore, the Math Lab offers much more than just Math and Statistics assistance; it also offers tutoring and extra practice for Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses!
math lab tutoring hours.PNG



  The Math Gym, which offers extra math practice for a variety of courses, is available at various hours in the Administration Building and Sondheim Hall. There are Learning Assistants available during the posted hours to help with practice questions and also offer other resources. You may also find other students from your course during your visits, and can form study groups! Math Gym workouts may also help your grade -- consult Blackboard or your instructor to find out how.


RLC
Even if there isn’t anyone available in the Tutorial Centers when you need help, you can always try the Retriever Learning Center (RLC). The RLC is located on the first floor of the AOK library and is the only academic building on campus open 24/7. Inside, there are many tables, booths, computers and whiteboards to study into the late hours of the night.

ADVICE
Looking back, I wish someone would have suggested that I form study groups during the first week of classes. First exams are always a wake-up call, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to prepare than to study as much as possible. Sometimes, teaching other students in your study group better prepares you for the exam. In order to teach information, you must first thoroughly understand it yourself. Above all, remember that even if you think it's too late, don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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