THE UST Department of Mathematics and Physics has launched an algebra and trigonometry mentoring program for College of Science freshmen to enhance their foundation in basic mathematics.
The mentorship program is free and exclusive to first-year students who are taking courses related to calculus, and enrolled in the Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Data Science and Analytics, and Chemistry programs.
Prof. Josephine Benjamin, chair of the UST Department of Mathematics and Physics, said the sessions were designed to strengthen math basics early in college.
“From our previous observations, first-year students taking calculus during the first semester of every school year struggle with the subject, probably because of a poor foundation in the basics of algebra and trigonometry, or they may have already forgotten them,” Benjamin told the Varsitarian.
Mastering algebra and trigonometry is important in higher-level mathematics and physics courses, she said.
The Saturday sessions are divided into two parts: algebra from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and trigonometry and analytic geometry from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each session will have a maximum of 25 students each.
Volunteer faculty members from the department facilitate the sessions: Vitus de Jesus, Asst. Prof. Vivian Anonas, Assoc. Prof. Florencia Ledesma, and Benjamin.
The onsite mentoring sessions are composed of problem-solving workshops, peer discussions and output monitoring.
Benjamin said the department was considering extending the program to students from other academic units who are taking courses that involve mathematical concepts, depending on the result of the initial phase and availability of resources and volunteers.
“We still need to assess and evaluate the mentoring program by closely monitoring the academic development of those who attended the mentoring program through their Math classes,” she said.
The mentorship program, which started on Aug. 23 and will run until Oct. 4, is in partnership with the UST Mathematical Society.
Andrei Isidro, the society president, said freshmen needed to have a deeper understanding of fundamental calculus concepts.
“These mentorship programs are important because they provide students with a solid foundation to build upon as they begin exploring the basics of calculus,” he said.
Interested freshmen may register through forms sent by their respective professors. Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos
