Why Should I Participate in AMP?

Benefit from group study.

Organized group problem solving is more effective and more efficient than studying alone; you'll learn from others and clarify your own ideas as others learn from you. Workshop leaders are available to guide you through difficulties.

Meet people with similar interests.

At workshops, AMP meetings, and AMP social events, you will meet friends who share your aspiration to excel in science and mathematics and to become leaders in the intellectual life of the College.

Develop problem-solving skills.

By working closely with others, you will be exposed to different ways of thinking about challenging problems. You will feel the power of initiating and developing good ideas.

Improve communication skills.

In workshops, you will develop your technical and interpersonal skills by listening, by asking, and by explaining. You will more confidently express the "why" of a mathematics or chemistry problem as well as the "how."

Stay current in your courses.

Since the AMP workshops build on ideas being presented in the courses, you will be expected to be up-to-date every week, not just at exams.

Student testimonials

"Coming from a weak background in chemistry, the AMP helped me to do well in my class. It helped me to develop team working capabilities with other students. The program reinforced the chemistry concepts I learned in class."

--Maria Alcazar Castellanos, '94 Oxy Graduate now attending UCLA Medical School

 

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"I feel that AMP is a great opportunity for students to develop a strong foundation in both math and chemistry. The problems and analogies that students encounter help tremendously with the respective class work. AMP is also a neat place to meet other students with similar interests and ideas.

--Tetsuo Harry Uyeda, chemistry major, Class of '96

Center for Teaching and Learning

Student services of the Center for Teaching and Learning include:

• Individual consultation with faculty specialists in math, science, writing, reading, and learning skills

   

• Student Writing Advisors trained by the Center to assist their peers and help them develop ideas, draft, and revise their papers

   

• Student Peer Advisors trained by the Center to clarify concepts and skills from courses such as physics, chemistry, foreign languages, economics, and psychology

   

• Diagnostic testing and coordination services for students with learning differences or disabilities

   

• Seminars and workshops on various topics such as study skills, reading efficiency, time management, and writing research papers

   

• Self-instructional materials designed to help students improved their reading and/or study skills

The faculty specialists are available on both a "drop-in" and scheduled appointment basis. Their hours, as well as the hours for the Student Peer Advisors, are posted each semester. Workshops and seminars are open to all interested students and are widely advertised in advance of the presentations.

Faculty:

Rae S. McCormick Tom Burkdall Debby Martinson Adrienne Robins Greg Tollisen Linda Lasater

Reading/Study Skills Specialist Writing Specialist Writing Specialist Director of Writing Porgram Math Specialist Science Specialist, Academic Mastery Program

Sign up or get more info!

Participation in AMP is voluntary; space is limited. The workshops are publicized in the targeted classrooms at the beginning of each term. You can sign up for AMP at the beginning of each term at the AMP office for math and chemistry.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Academic Mastery Program, call 213-259-2973 (chemistry) or 213-259-2876 (math), or write:

Academic Mastery Program
Occidental College
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041

The Center for Teaching and Learning, located on the ground floor of the library, provides support services for students in order to maximize their potential for academic excellence. If you are interested in more information about the Center for Teaching and Learning, please call: 213-259-2545 or write to: