What is Math Excel?

A Math Excel workshop is a community of learners, working together to enhance the mathematical understanding of all of the participants. It is an optional one credit course, open to students enrolled in the first two terms of Calculus (MTH 251 or 252) or in STAT 243.

Math Excel students spend two hours per week working in small groups of their peers, forging a more solid understanding of mathematics.

Goals of Math Excel

• To increase conceptual understanding of mathematics for all participants
• To increase the diversity of people in mathematics and to increase the success rate for all math students
• To create mathematical learning communities

You are invited . . .

If you are a PSU student registering for MTH 251, 252, or STAT 243, consider also signing up for a one credit Math Excel workshop to take in conjunction with your math class.

To register for a Math Excel course, look for
MTH 299 “SPST: Math Excel 251 or 252” or STAT 299 “SPST: Stat Excel 243”

Math Excel courses generally meet once a week for two hours. Students work in groups of three or four on challenging problems designed to promote concept understanding and communication with each other. The problems allow students to explore more deeply the big ideas of their concurrent math class. Math Excel workshop leaders and mentors circulate among the groups, facilitating discussion.

There are no exams, no homework, no texts to buy, and no pressure.

The only requirement for passing the course is that you attend regularly and participate in the learning and discussion.

Participants say . . .

“Math Excel allowed me to bounce ideas off other students in a very relaxed environment”

“Working as a team gives the group an opportunity to come up with multiple approaches to one problem – and seeing it through different insights was extremely helpful”

“I felt like I was encouraged to figure things out . . . no amount of drilling could substitute for figuring it out on my own. I also liked that I then had to teach things that I learned to the rest of my group – that took my understanding a step higher.”

Math Excel is . . .

• Good for your grades
  Math Excel students average nearly one half grade point higher in their math classes than those not taking Math Excel
• A source for study partners
  Many Math Excel students meet with each other outside of class for additional study
• A supportive place to learn
• A relaxed atmosphere
• A community of learners

Math Excel is not . . .

• Connected with the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
• A remedial course
• A place to work on regular class homework

For more information contact:

Joe Ediger, Director of Math Excel
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Portland State University

Office: NH M303    Phone: 725-3651
E-mail: ediger@pdx.edu