Supplemental Instruction for Math 225
Spring 2004
SI Leader: Nitin Sharma
Email:
4 weekly sessions:
Sunday, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, VKC 104
Monday, 11-12, VKC 254
Tuesday, 4-5, GFS 114
Wednesday, 11-12, VKC 103
SI Website: www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/si
(*Dates and times for midterm and final exam reviews will be posted soon)
The SI program at USC recognizes Mathematics 225 (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations) as a high-risk course and has approved me to serve as the SI leader for both sections of the course. Besides regular attendance in lectures and discussions, students are encouraged to make use of resources like office hours, the Math Center and SI sessions.
Benefits of attending SI sessions:
· Structure wise, SI sessions are targeted at groups of 5-20 students; the small group size facilitates a lot of discussion and informal interaction
· Flexibility: Sessions are tailored according to the need of the attendees. Emphasis can be on discussing a theoretical concept or solving many problems
· Help with homework: Many students utilize the sessions to complete homework problems and prepare for quizzes. SI sessions can save time and effort that would otherwise be spent individually, or at the last minute.
· Especially for Math 225, which can get quite abstract/theoretical for students used to taking engineering classes, the emphasis is on problem-solving and exam strategies
· Review sheets are handed out at each session and during exam reviews. These summarize concepts and outline some problems.
· Performance of the program: Past surveys have indicated that regular attendance at SI sessions can amount to substantial grade improvements. The difference in average grades can be as high as one whole grade.
· SI is for everyone. Students acing the course can keep up their preparation and confidence, students facing problems can work on them.
· SI is absolutely free !!
Please keep in mind:
· SI is not a substitute for missed lectures. Ultimately, attendance in lectures is a stronger determinant of performance in the course.
· The four sessions every week will cover almost the same material. You may attend as many as you would like to.
· Feel free to approach me (Nitin) after class (for the 10 am section) or through email.
· Please try bring your book along if you come to the session. It helps.
Thanks, and I hope to see many of you through the semester.