Suggestions for Assisting Students

The following are suggestions for assisting students. Add to the list whenever possible. The art of assisting students can be developed more fully when the Math Lab Manager, instructors, and student assistants can share problems and discuss techniques that work on a continuing basis.

1. Do not do the student's homework.: Try to lead the student to answer the problem. Ask the appropriate questions and give hints to help the student get started in solving the problem. Often when the student asks for help with a specific problem, the difficulty is usually not with the problem. It is usually with having failed to understand some basic principle or procedure. Therefore, in order to help the student, try to diagnose the difficulty. Ask, "How far did you get?" Observe and listen while the student tells you what he/she can do or not do. Set up short exercises to overcome the difficulty. Finally, set up a problem that is similar to the problem that was first posed. Hopefully the student will then be able to solve the problem.
2. Follow procedures that the student was taught.: Try to follow the notation and general method of attack that the student was exposed to. Look at the text, the student's notes, and/or other work to give you clues on what principles and techniques were used. In most cases, a different approach may further add to the confusion.
3. Do not let the student depend on you.: Do not let the student become excessively dependent on your assistance. After you have worked with the student for a while, let him/her work some problems on his/her own. Check the work, then explain further, if necessary.
4. Use paper to solve a problem.: Unless you are working with three or more students at once, work on paper rather than the blackboard. The students can take the paper with them when they leave.
5. Know what resources are available in the center.: Be familiar with what resources are stored in the center. Refer the student to additional materials found in the center. The center stores a wealth of materials. If you are not familiar with the resources, ask the Math Lab Manager for assistance.
6. Create in the center an atmosphere conducive to learning.: Try to create a good atmosphere for study and learning by keeping the noise level down. Discourage socializing among friends. Be as helpful as possible in your role as a student assistant.
7. Be supportive and encouraging.: Use statements such as the following to offer encouragement to the student. Statements such as "That's a difficult problem." or "Many students have trouble with that problem." Also use phrases such as "very good" or "keep trying". Encouragement can go a long way.
8. Be honest.: If a student asks a question that you cannot answer, do not hesistate to say that you cannot solve it. Ask the Math Lab Manager for assistance.
9. Encourage a student with a bad attitude.: Often students who come to the center have negative attitudes toward mathematics or are totally frustrated with the subject matter. Whenever possible, reassure the student. Help build their self-confidence with encouraging words.
10. Be enthusiastic when assisting a student.: An enthusiastic student assistant creates a very positive environment. Be enthusiastic with every student. Your results should be very rewarding.

It is hoped that you will enjoy your work as a student assistant in the Mathematics Learning Resource Center and that your experiences will be enjoyable and rewarding. Remember that you're an important part of the operation of the center. Your work is helping to meet the educational needs of the students who enter the center and in helping them master their skills.

Back to Home Page