MUN gets money to help students with their math homework

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) campus. The University Centre can be seen, bottom, and the Core science building, top right. PHOTO BY KEITH GOSSE/THE TELEGRAM As the new school year approaches, Memorial University wants to help students with their math homework. Specifically, the university wants to help first-year students make a smoother transition from their high school math classes to Memorial’s course work. To help with that, the university is partnering with the Hibernia Project and a $1.9 million investment will develop a project that aims to make that transition work while producing better educational outcomes. That investment will go towards additional classroom supports for students as Memorial looks to work curriculum closer to students’ needs. “We’re really excited about this as an exemplar of Memorial evolving around students,” said Janet Morrison, Memorial University president. “Certainly, math outcomes have been a topic of discussion, not just at Memorial, but I think across the province for several years. “We’re just thrilled.” Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador’s president, Janet Morrison. PHOTO BY KEITH GOSSE/THE TELEGRAM Bad with numbers At Memorial, some 25 per cent of the 2,000 students who take first-year math end up having to re-take the course. If that wasn’t enough, it’s a required course if students want to get their degree. That’s why the university is taking on the problem head-on. “That’s not an outcome that I think people want to embrace long term,” said Morrison. That includes small-group tutorials and review sessions, which will be available as early as this upcoming semester. There are also plans to make summer bridging programs available to students, as well as supports like pre-semester boot camps. A redesigned first-year course will come in the future. Read More As divestment looms, the Johnson Geo Centre remains a St. John’s cultural staple Professor says Memorial University missing an opportunity by closing its UK campus “Our commitment is to use what we learn to redesign first-year courses to meet students where they’re at,” said Morrison. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) campus, viewing the Chemistry Physics building. PHOTO BY KEITH GOSSE/THE TELEGRAM A nationwide struggle The struggles that St. John’s students are seeing with university aren’t only being felt at Memorial University — they’re also being felt nationwide, as high school…