Each year, hundreds of incoming freshmen sign up for pre-engineering or another one of Auburn’s STEM degree programs.
This summer, the Office of Academic Support introduced Plainsman Prep, a program which teaches basic calculus concepts to incoming freshmen before they start engineering-level calculus courses such as MATH 1610.
Dana Jablonski, director of the office of academic support, said students in Plainsman Prep must take a week of classes where they learn the core concepts of calculus: limits, derivatives and integrals. These culminate into a final exam, which will determine their math placement on their schedule for the term.
“The schedule is designed to mimic a similar schedule to what students may experience during their time here at Auburn,” Jablonski said. “It is a rigorous schedule, but helps them get used to resources available to them during the academic year.”
According to Jablonski, students receive homework assignments as well as personal study time and “SI,” or Supplemental Instruction, a unique approach to reinforcing concepts in which student group leaders more experienced with college-level math lead study sessions with Plainsman Prep students.
In addition to learning math concepts, Jablonski said prep students also take workshops that teach them study skills applicable to any college course—time management, academic resources, notetaking and other skills not necessarily taught in high school level coursework.
According to Jablonski, between lectures and study sessions, students have plenty of fun activities to do, such as a scavenger hunt, a movie night, a game night and a soccer game.
Students also have the opportunity to be exposed to Auburn culture and meet plenty of new friends before starting their Auburn experience, Jablonski said.
Clay Hodges, pre-computer science major, said he enjoyed being a student in Plainsman Prep.
“Plainsman Prep helped me refresh prior knowledge, and prepare for advanced topics. [The] staff at Plainsman Prep was well trained, accommodating, and above all else, friendly,” Hodges said. “I would recommend Plainsman Prep to all incoming freshmen preparing to join
calculus. Refreshing the foundation to your calculus knowledge is vitally important to passing your future classes.”
Jablonski said the program has been a positive experience for students.
“I would say it has been successful,” Jablonski said. “Many students commented on how they feel more adjusted to the university, have made friends and are ready for calculus in the fall.”
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