Math Labs

The Math Labs assist CCCCD students enrolled in developmental math, college-level math, and natural sciences courses that have math-based assignments.  The staff includes faculty, instructional associates, and student tutors.  Students may use videos, graphing calculators, and computers to complete homework assignments.  Study sessions are scheduled for the lab components of college algebra, trigonometry, business pre-calculus, and business calculus.  Hours for drop-in assistance vary and are posted at each campus.  Our math labs are located at the following campuses:

• Spring Creek Campus; Room J228 (972) 881-5921
• Central Park Campus; Room B336 (972) 548-6896
• Preston Ridge Campus; Room F119 (972) 377-1639

At CCCCD, we understand the challenges with writing.  It doesn't matter what field you choose to get your degree in, writing is an essential part of life.  

Whether you are writing an advertisement for the Sunday newspaper, sending an e-mail message to a prospective employer, writing your resume or filling out a job application, writing is something that is essential to life.  Writing can be a challenge sometimes and we are here to help you along the way.  

Maybe you are writing a research paper and need some help, or maybe just a few pointers, the Writing Center is here to help you!  We provide the tools you need to make a success out of your life - don't let these opportunities pass you by. 

The Writing Center schedule for Spring Creek Campus, Central Park Campus and Preston Ridge Campus can be found at: http://www.collin.edu/writingcenter.

Study Skills Seminars

All Study Skills Seminars are free and no appointment is necessary. Call (972) 881-5720 for more information and/or to secure a copy of the schedule.

Seminars include:

Becoming a Good Language Learner

Each of us has his own preferred ways to learn. However, there are characteristics of good language learners that we can all use to learn languages more effectively. In this seminar, we will discuss and practice some of the effective language learning techniques. Open to all interested language learners.

Context Clues

Don't always have a dictionary handy? Learn several strategies on how to figure out unfamiliar words.

Diction

A one-hour seminar on word usage and abuse. Come join the lively discussion and learn the difference between a firefly and a lightning bolt.

Fundamentals of Spelling

Do words with "ie" or "ei" confuse you? Do you know when to keep or drop the "y"? Come to this seminar and learn the rules for spelling these and other tricky words.

Graphing TI-83 Calculator

This seminar will teach the use of TI 82/83 Calculator. Please bring only a TI -83 calculator to this session.

Tackle That Chapter and Win

How much do you recall from that chapter you read last night? What were the main ideas? What topics will likely appear on an exam? How can you tackle a chapter and master it? Bring a textbook , paper, and three pens (black, blue & red) and find out!

Take Note!

Taking notes effectively can help you become a more successful student. In this seminar, you will learn how to take effective notes from readings and lectures. Open to all students, International and American.

TASP Math: Priming the Pump

Do you need to "just brush up on your math skills" before you take the TASP test? Come review some general algebra and geometry skills that are necessary to successfully work selected problems on the TASP Math Practice Test. After the seminar, you will be encouraged to complete the practice test, view the math videotapes described below*, and register for the TASP exam. (Note: * refers to TASP Math Prep seminar described below).

*TASP Math Prep

Videos teaching how to do the TASP Math Practice Test problems and eight extra problems are on reserve in the LRC on three campuses (SCC, CPC, & PRC). The title is "Math TASP Prep - Study Skills Seminar." The set of two tapes is about 4 hours long. Sets may be checked out for 4 hours to view in the LRC or may be checked out for 3 days. Before viewing, please print out and bring the entire TASP Math Practice Test from www.collin.edu. (Click on Current Students, click on Testing, click on TASP on-line Practice Test). Recommendation: Work on 8 or 10 problems, then watch those problems being taught on the video. Don't try to watch the whole video at one time. If you have questions after you have viewed the video, call a TASP tutor at: SCC 972-881-5723 or 972-516-5023; CPC 972-548-6715; or PRC 972-377-1614.

Beginnings and Endings: Creating Interesting Introductions and Conclusions

It's important to begin and end papers in a way that makes readers feel their time spent reading was time well spent. Strong introductions and clever conclusions boost grades, too!

Fundamentals of Spelling

Learn the basic rules of spelling.

Looking Good: Formatting College Essays

Quit guessing! Learn how your essays are supposed to look. Find out about margins, double spacing, and cover sheets. This short seminar will teach how to turn in professional-looking assignments that will earn your teacher's respect, if not a few extra points.

How to Study

Improve your test scores with effective, proven test-taking strategies. By improving your organizational, reading, and note taking skills, you can raise your grades.

Math Anxiety

This seminar will help students identify and alleviate symptoms of math anxiety.

Planning the Perfect College Essay

Having a topic is one thing: working out a thesis and planning to support it are two other, harder things. Learn how to make this process easier.

Pre-Writing

The best way to write an excellent essay is to get started. This seminar explains, through discussion and practice, fifteen ways to get off to a running start on essay assignments. Bring a notebook and two pens - one that works and one that doesn't.

Pre-Writing Application

If you liked the prewriting ideas from the first seminar, you'll love learning to apply them. Bring a pen, lots of paper (20-30 sheets), a pen that is out of ink, and a willingness to write and write and write with very little talking. Also, bring any essay assignment from any class. Most of all bring your open mind and your enthusiasm for learning about writing and especially for getting started!

Research Writing

Gain a practical overview of research writing by reviewing the purpose of research, the major steps involved, and some specific guidelines on choosing a topic, organizing the paper, and integrating and acknowledging sources.

Stuck in the Middle: Dealing with the Body of an Essay

A review of how to structure supporting paragraphs to enhance a paper's thesis.

TASP Math Prep

Regain your confidence in doing math problems by attending a review of algebra, geometry and graph-related problems.

TASP Writing Prep

Find out how to organize essays based on the TASP scorers' guidelines. Bring pen and notebook.

TI-82/83 Calculator for Developmental Math Students

Please bring your calculator if you have one. The practice test for TASP can be found at http://www.tasp.nesinc.com/. These seminars are recommended for high school, college students and staff.

The NCBTD program is designed to provide individualized tutoring in an encouraging atmosphere in reading, writing, and mathematics for students who have not passed all three parts of the TASP examination. Students are recommended for enrollment in the program by the TASP office.

Tutors for non-course based TASP Development include:

ESL Seminars

The ESL program at the Spring Creek Campus now offers noncredit seminars in partnership with the Developmental Education Division. As part of Developmental Education Resources, the ESL program offers seminars that include a variety of skills and topics to increase language skills. Because the seminars are noncredit, there are no tests or grades. These seminars are not limited to current CCCCD students; anyone may take them. All Study Skills Seminars are free and no appointment is necessary. Call (972)881-5720 or email jerickson@collin.edu for more information and/or to secure a copy of the schedule.