The Math Studio
It's a Tuesday afternoon. To those familiar with the Math Studio in the East Building, this means that the normal hubbub of activity may be a tad subdued. Do not be fooled. Come Wednesday afternoon, it's almost certain to be overflowing with GCC students discussing anything from integers to homework deadlines and holiday plans.
"Everyone is welcome. It's not just for this type of student or that type of student," Sandy Gokey emphasizes, a sentiment echoed by the Peter Rosnick and Linda Cavanaugh, all math professors at GCC
"It's not just a place to come to if they're having trouble with math. It's a place where people come to just to work with their classmates," says Peter Rosnick.
The Math Studio, located in East 124, is a valuable resource for any G.C.C student. Sure it's equipped with calculators, math references, and computers, but it's the students and faculty that make this place truly invaluable for anyone seeking the kind of community that G.C.C is famous for.
These [professors] are being humble. One of the biggest magnets is them! Other schools teach differently, here it's like you have your own teacher.
The idea for the Studio arose out of Sandy Gokey's practice of taking her classes into a conference room before classes to work on and discuss their classroom work. After strong advocating for a permanent space open to everyone seeking help with their math work, in 1999 the small conference room was expanded, more tables, a sofa, and a wall of "math manipulatives" were added, and it has since been a permanent tool in supplementing the math department's teachings.
The success of the Studio is reflected on the number of students actually using the space.
"I've heard from people at other schools that math is an isolated, often competitive endeavor," explains Peter, "we try to make an atmosphere where it's not isolated, and it is part of a community. It's working together, so it's not competitive. Students recognize they have something to gain by giving back and working with their fellow students."
"'Facilities need to support serendipity'," Linda quotes. "Sometimes discoveries don't come from working by yourself, they also come from helping others understand."
At that moment a student working nearby leans in, "These guys are being humble. One of the biggest magnets is them! Other schools teach differently, here it's like you have your own teacher."
There are faculty are present in the Math Studio throughout the day. To view the current drop-in schedule, click here.
Profile by Meghan Wicks