Something new is happening at TMCC’s Mathematics Department: the Co-Requisite model. While full implementation doesn’t happen until Fall 2021, if you’re a student in the liberal arts or social sciences, chances are you’ll encounter this streamlined approach to your mathematics education that’s intended to get you to your degree even sooner.)
What is a co-requisite model? If your journey in higher education once felt like you were meandering through a maze of required core classes, the co-requisite model takes out the extra twists and turns and provides a streamlined opportunity to complete math requirements in less time. In other words, you only take what math classes you need because there is embedded support within the five-credit class that gives you the targeted help you need. For majors other than those in a STEM field, this means you will take Math 120 and its 2-credit support class to fulfill the math requirement for the degree. Isn’t that simple?
Here’s How the Credits Break Down
If you’re ready for college math, there are two options, depending on your major: Math 120 or Math 126. Check out our handy guide to placement to determine whether you’ll be enrolling in your course with or without support.
Support is the best way to ensure your math success. For all non-STEM majors, sign up for Math 120, which is still a three-credit course, and its support class, Math 20, is two credits. So, instead of nine, twelve, or more credits and multiple semesters, you can be finished with your math requirement in no more than five credits, and onto the rest of your program of study. Isn’t that great news?
If this sounds too good to be true, it’s not. For Math 120 students, this is the new reality of how your higher education will add up to success.
Tips for Success In the “New Normal” for Math
To support you through the Co-Requisite Model, we caught up with our experts and compiled a quick list of tips that can help you to succeed in Math 120 and Math 20.
- Get all the support you need. It’s no secret that math can be a challenging subject, especially in the current online learning environment. Instead of being shy about asking for help, this is the time to be the squeaky wheel when it comes to your progress in your math class. It’s OK to ask your instructor for help. If you’re enrolled in the additional 2-credit support class, Math 20, take full advantage of your instructor during that time, too. Also, TMCC’s Tutoring Center is open with tutors who can also help you to understand the concepts you’re covering in the class. Don’t let Zoom-ache keep you from succeeding. We know it’s difficult to attend so many online classes, but adding the support of a tutor—or meeting with your instructor during their office hours—can make the difference between a passing or failing grade.
- Find a quiet spot with an internet connection to complete your assignments for your math class. Math can be a challenging subject, and so allowing yourself the appropriate time and space is key to your success. Create a space for yourself at home that is distraction-free (maybe a spare bedroom where there is not a lot of traffic from other members of your family or your pets.) If you can’t have your own room, create a corner for yourself so that you can have a defined space in which to study and do your work.
- Wait to buy your books. It’s no secret that textbooks are expensive, and that’s no exception for a math class. However, it’s a great idea to wait to buy your textbooks until after you’ve gone to the first class of the semester. Why? It’s always a good idea to meet your instructor and to read through the syllabus to make sure that you’re buying only the materials you need. After all, many materials for math classes are electronic, and sometimes instructors require specific editions of textbooks and other materials. Plus, since they are electronic texts, there’s no shipping delay. And it goes without saying: don’t buy something you don’t need.
So, as you start to build your schedule for the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters, remember that the Co-Req model is going to help you complete your math requirements at record speed... as long as you stay focused, and ask for support if you need it.
For more information about the co-requisite model in Math, contact the Math Department at 775-673-7181.