Math Learning Center (MLC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions:
General Questions:
Q: Do students do well in the semi-independent courses? Does this method of learning really work?
A: There are many different types of learners. Your success in your semi-independent course will depend on what type of student you are and how much time and effort you put into your course. Some students are visual learners and prefer having an instructor who lectures on every topic covered in the course. If you are this type of student, a lecture course would better fit your needs. Also, if you are a student that is not self-disciplined and needs a rigid class schedule to make sure you study, the MLC is not for you. Semi-independent learning does work for many students. Several students have ended up in semi-independent courses by chance and then end up loving it and taking all their math courses in this format. Some of the common reasons students prefer semi-independent courses over lectures are:
1) They like the flexible schedule. Students do not have to come in at their particular class time and can come in during any day or time the MLC is open. The MLC is open Monday through Friday for a total of 36 hours. Semi-independent courses work well for students with busy lives whose schedules are constantly changing.
2) They like the one-on-one attention they receive from instructional aides and instructors. When you have a question you can come into the MLC and there are instructional aides and instructors that will sit with you and address your specific concern. Many students feel that they understand the material better during one-on-one tutoring rather than in a lecture course.
3) Many students also like taking an exam for every chapter. This is better for them for a couple reasons. First, there is no more than one chapter of material on each exam (excluding the midterm and final). Students are able to learn the material in smaller chunks. They like that, other than on the midterm and the final, they can learn the material for only one chapter and take an exam on only that chapter. It is easier for them to remember the material when there is not a huge amount of material on each exam. Another advantage of having several exams in your course is one or two low exam grades will not greatly affect your course grade. Most lecture courses have only 2 - 5 exams in a semester. One regular exam, with multiple chapters, usually counts for about 15% of your course grade. In a semi-independent course, one exam may count as low as 5% of your course grade. In most semi-independent courses, you also get to drop your lowest exam grade (excluding the midterm and the final).
4) Students like being able to go at their own pace. They can go through material they already know quickly and take more time on topics they find more difficult. In a lecture course,the pace of the course is determined by the instructor. In a semi-independent course, the pace of the course is mostly determined by the student. We say mostly because there is a schedule of exams. We expect you to stay on or ahead of schedule. If at any time, you are behind schedule, you may be dropped from the course. Most students work ahead so that when they get to a "difficult" topic they can spend more time on that material and not fall behind schedule.
Q: Do I have to come into the Math Learning Center during my class time?
A: No, you can come in any time the Math Learning Center is open. The Math Learning Center is open Monday through Friday for a total of 36 hours.
Q: Do I need to check-in when I come into the Math Learning Center?
A: When coming into the MLC, you need to check-in/check-out at the front desk. Please take a seat and begin working. When you have a question, raise your hand. If you are coming into the MLC to take an exam, you will need to go to the front counter, with a Cerritos College I.D., to check out an exam.
Q: Does the Math Learning Center take attendance?
A: The Math Learning Center takes attendance based on you being on schedule with your exams. If at any time you are behind schedule, you may be dropped for lack of "attendance."
Q: Do I have to bring a Cerritos College I.D. every time I take an exam
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to have a Cerritos College I.D.?
A: Yes. A Cerritos College I.D. is the only accepted form of identification.
Q: What happens if I'm behind schedule?
A: If you are behind schedule, you may be dropped from the course.
Q: When can I see an instructor?
A: You can see an instructor during your scheduled class time. To ensure that the instructor is available at that time, please email your instructor and arrange a definite time.
Q: My friend has a textbook for this course, can I just use it or do I have to buy your textbook?
A: You must buy the textbook indicated on your syllabus. Not all textbooks are the same. Some textbooks have the material in a different order or they may exclude certain topics. To make sure you are studying the correct material you need to have the textbook we have assigned to the course. We have also taken time to pick these particular textbooks so that they assist you in your semi-independent learning.
Q: Where can I find the study guides or supplements?
A: You can find study guides and supplements on our website, www.cerritos.edu/MLC. Find your course on the left side of the page, then click on "Study Guides and Supplements" for your course.
Q: When is the drop date(s)?
A: The first drop date is during the 2nd week of the semester. We will have drop dates frequently, about one every 3 weeks. Please check your email, Canvas, and the MLC for information about upcoming drop dates.
Q: What are the Math Learning Center's hours of operation?
A: The hours of operation are located on the homepage of the MLC website and at the top of your course syllabus. We are open Monday through Friday for a total of 36 hours.
Q: What happens if I get dropped from my course?
A: If you are dropped and would like to discuss your status in the course, please see an instructor in the MLC as soon as possible.
Orientation Questions:
Q: Do I have to complete an orientation?
A: Yes. Every student that wishes to enroll in a semi-independent mathematics course must complete an orientation.
Q: What if I'm a former MLC student, do I still have to complete an orientation?
A: Yes. You must complete an orientation to remain enrolled in the course.
Q: What if I cannot make my orientation time?
A: Please check your email a week before the start of the semester for information on how to complete the orientation online. If you do not feel comfortable doing an online orientation, please email your instructor.
Homework Questions:
Q: What is the homework for my class?
A: The problems you are expected to do for homework is listed in your course policy. For most courses the homework is completed using an online platform like MyMathLab or Knewton. Please check your course policy for your specific course's homework.
Q: Do I have to do the homework?
A: For most courses, homework is a part of your final grade. Please see class syllabus for more information.
Exam Questions:
Q: Can I take more than one exam in a day?
A: Yes, you may take multiple exams in one day.
Q: Can I take my exams home to study?
A: No. All exams are to remain in the MLC.
Q: Do I have to take the exams exactly when my course schedule says to?
A: You can take an exam on any day the MLC is open. You can take an exam on or ahead of schedule.
Q: Do I have to take the Midterm during the week indicated in my course schedule?
A: A midterm works exactly like a regular exam in that it can be taken on or ahead of schedule. It must be taken in the order it appears on your schedule. Remember, if you are behindschedule you may be dropped.
Q: Do I have to take the Final during finals week?
A: You can take the final on or before finals week. All finals must be started no later than one hour after the start of your class time.
Q: What is the last time for me to check out an exam?
A: Exams need to be checked out no later than 1 hour and 45 minutes before closing. All exams are collected 15 minutes before closing.
Q: Can I take a restroom break during an exam?
A: You can take a restroom break but you may not return to finish your exam. Remember, once you check out an exam, you may not leave the exam room without turning in your exam to be graded. As a college student, you need to be responsible for taking care of your restroom needs before you check out an exam. If you require special accommodations during your exam, please contact SAS.
Q: What if I need to take an important phone call during an exam?
A: All phones need to be turned off and put away while in the testing room. If you are expecting an important call, we suggest that you wait to take your exam when you are fully available.
Q: Is there a time limit when I'm taking my exam?
A: The only time limit is that we collect the exams 15 minutes before closing. You can usually take as much time as you need on an exam. Just remember, you cannot leave the exam room without turning in your exam to be graded.
Q: Why do you take ½ of the points off when I just made a minor mistake?
A: Since we have several instructional aides and instructors grading exams, we use
this policy to ensure our grading is consistent. If you have questions about your
exam grade, see an instructor within two business days.