Math Learning Center: Adrienne Palmer

Adrienne Palmer

Today's post features a Q and A with math guru Adrienne Palmer. Adrienne has been working as an adjunct math instructor at Green River since 1995, and has coordinated the college's Math Learning Center since 2000. Her message to students struggling with math? Take advantage of tutoring services in the Math Learning Center, ask lots of questions, and make a point of going to class EVERY day. Check out our conversation below!

Hi Adrienne. Thanks for joining us on the blog. You coordinate the Math Learning Center, which offers an array of free, math-related services to Green River students. Can you provide a short overview of services?

Adrienne: Probably the most utilized service the Math Learning Center offers is our drop-in peer tutoring. We have both student and community members who value education and offer their time to help out our students.  In addition to the tutoring, students are able to rent calculators for the quarter, and to check out any current math textbook and some solutions manuals for an hour or so. If a student has forgotten their calculator on an exam day, they can borrow one from us while they take their exam.

You've worked as a math instructor at Green River since 1995; as such, you have a solid understanding of what factors contribute to student success. What are some practical steps students can take to be more successful in their math classes?

Adrienne: I always tell my students that if they want to succeed in my math classes, they really need to make a point of going to class every day.  Even missing one day of class will set a student behind.  To become successful in math, you need to go to class EVERY day, listen well and take notes, look over your notes, do the homework problems on the day it is assigned (don’t wait until the day before it’s due – by then you may already have forgotten how to do most of the problems), and don’t be afraid of asking questions.  Once you get familiar enough with the problems, you start realizing that most of math has a pattern to it.  

On a more personal note, what do you like most about teaching math?

Adrienne: I love explaining  math problems to students and seeing that light bulb go off in their heads. It’s very rewarding to have a student make all the connections and see the big picture.  Also, I just love being in  the classroom and sharing my knowledge with them.  I like walking around the room and seeing my students working collaboratively on problems. Being in the classroom gives me an energy boost that takes me through my day. 

The Math Tutoring Center is located in the BI building, rooms 5 and 6. You can find hours of operation and a detailed overview of services by visiting the MLC on the web.

Student Success Profile: Roberta Marta

Today's student success profile features a brief Q and A with Roberta Marta. Roberta is a Workforce Education student who is enrolled in the Accounting program at Green River. Training in this field enhanced Roberta's project management background. In fact, she started a new job last month as a project manager with a local company. Check out her story below!

Hi Roberta. Thanks for joining us on the blog. Can you tell us what it's like to be a student in the Accounting program at Green River?

Roberta: It has been a very fulfilling experience being in the Accounting program. Being laid off due to economic conditions was quite a struggle, but being able to work and improve my skill set within a professional environment was a big part of my success. My training gave me confidence in obtaining a new job. The instructors strive to help students reach their goals and get the most out of each course.

Can you tell us the story of how you decided to pursue training in this field of study?

Roberta: I chose the Accounting field to better enhance the project management background I have. All of the classes have been very applicable to my skill set and have aided me in my current job field. I started a new job about a month ago as a project manager with Potelco Inc.

What advice would you have for new students who are thinking about pursuing training in a similar field of study?

Roberta: I would highly recommend that others pursue similar training. I feel that Green River is a great place to freshen up skills or enhance the skill set you already have. In particular, the Accounting program is very applicable to many different career paths.

 $$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs - BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, WorkFirst - support Accounting pathways at Green River.