Hi everyone,
I realize I haven't been the most active here and so haven't familiarized myself with the first year population here, but I figure it's worth a shot anyway: I'm Mike, a second year masters student studying Geometry in the Math department. I currently TA Vector Calculus for Math Majors (Math 2X03).
Exam time can be stressful, particularly for first year students who are just starting to adjust to university life. As such, last year I reached out to Macinsiders members to lend a bit of a hand. What I did last year during the exam season, was offer my take on 'peer-mentoring,' and this year in hopes that others will follow my example, I gave the concept a name: "Exam guarding" because I'd like to guard students against the pressures of exams.
I'm by no means good at organizing anything, and so if anyone else has suggestions / feedback (constructive please :p) then please let me know, I'll take it very seriously.
The concept:
I essentially held some 'free office hours' so to speak, where students could drop in and ask questions at a time that's mutually convenient. The students then stuck around and studied for the remainder of the hour, working together in small groups and having discussions. I would typically set up 2 or 3 days with an hour each.
The benefit:
Relax! We've got you covered. We can provide you with a warm, inviting environment where you can study, or simply ask some of those nagging questions. Even if one of the guardians can't answer your questions, the small group dynamic will help stimulate problem solving, and discussion among the students! This is particularly useful for students who feel as though "they don't know anyone" in their classes.
The catch:
For "students":
It's free! Can't get much better than that right? Just be sure you use this service at your discretion: I can't personally validate anyone's level of expertise (particularly in areas besides my own), so if they 'steer you in the wrong direction' that's a risk you must take.
The only othe thing I ask in return is that you let us know if you're interested: I simply don't want to take time out of my schedule if I'm just going to be sitting down there by myself, you know? (it happened once last year, haha).
For "guardians":
It's an incredibly satisfying feeling! Let me know if you'd like to do something similar, let me know the courses you're willing to help with and I'll add you to the list below. Remember that students can be frustrated and in some cases simply need moral support! Be willing to do this, and even if you're not a self-proclaimed expert in your field, you will make a difference. But the catch is: It's
non-profit.
My plug: - Mathematics
To get the ball rolling, I'm willing to help any first year students with any math course. I should have a working knowledge of all first year material, but if you come in with a particularly challenging integral that requires a trick you've seen in class, or other obscure question, I suppose I'd also ask for your understanding if I can't answer that specific problem.
Anyone else taking math can come, but the higher your grade level, you run a higher risk of me being unable to answer your questions...so for that reason, I'd ask that we schedule the times around the first year students, and have 2nd years, etc. come by on drop in basis.
I'm hoping this idea will stick, if anyone else (in math, or a different subject) would like to be an "Exam guardian," let me know. We can try to coordinate our schedules.
So I guess for now, anyone who needs math help please leave a post if you're interested, which course you're in, and when the final exam is for that course. (The timetable can be found
http://registrar.mcmaster.ca /sched...examfinalb.php here).
Good luck with exams!
-Mike, "Exam guardian" (just so I sound important)
The List:
-Mike (Mowicz) - Math
-SciMania - Biology
