Improving Math Skills through Intensive Mentoring and Tutoring

Mathematic skills are essential for the career success of students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. As prerequisite for major course requirements, passing rate in math courses is an important factor for the retention and graduations rates for STEM majors. This paper presents a successful practice to improve students’ math skills through intensive mentoring and tutoring. A group of students participate as a cohort in a summer bridge program supported by an NSF grant. They take an introductory math class under the same schedule and requirements as other regular classes. In addition, they get extra exercises with the help of faculty mentors and peer tutors. Comparison statistics between the students in the summer bridge program and other regular classes show a significant improvement in math skills for the summer program. The study demonstrates that guidance and practice are keys to improve math skills.