Improving Mathematics Success Through Enhanced Support Services

Abstract: This paper is co-authored by Alexander Basyrov, Christopher P. Bendel, Seth Dutter and Benjamin F. Jones, professors at UW-Stout. This paper is include in the Conference Proceedings for the ASQ 2012 Advancing the STEM Agenda Conference at UW-Stout July 16-17, 2012.

Over the past year the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Stout has worked to improve the quality of tutoring available to students enrolled in introductory level mathematics courses. The principle investigator of this project worked alongside student tutors on a daily basis to document the quality of tutoring provided as well offer guidance to the tutors themselves. In addition, online testing modules were developed to establish the level of mathematical mastery that the department’s tutors possessed. Overall the conclusion is that tutors generally have a high level of mathematical proficiency, yet many lack the interpersonal and time-management skills necessary to be successful tutors.

Keywords: STEM - Conference Proceedings - Math - Student Support