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Las Positas College
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  3. Concurrent Support Class FAQ's

Concurrent Support Class FAQ's

1. What are the concurrent support classes?

These classes are designed with one purpose: to help you succeed in math this semester!  In these courses, you will be working with instructors, both one-on-one and in small groups, on study skills and important math topics throughout the semester. 

 

2. Why should I take this class?

Statewide research has shown that students who take a support class are more likely to succeed in their math class!

  • ​Built into the course are activities designed to help students succeed in their math classes.  These assignments build skills such as time management, note-taking and study-skill strategies, grit and persistence, all of which are more essential when working online!
  • During the concurrent support class, students can work on assignments from their math class - with the support of fellow students taking the same class, embedded tutors, and instructors.
  • Included in the course are links to videos, organized by key topics for each section in your math textbook.  These can be really helpful for students who want to have the math concepts explained again or in a different way.
  • The concurrent support classes are scheduled and happen at regular times each week, to give students structure, support, and set up a routine for successful learning and time management.
  • Students will be able to work in small groups or break-out rooms with classmates enrolled in the same course as them, allowing for study groups to form. Students can also choose to work independently on their assignments.
  • An instructor is present to provide one-on-one help.  Many sections have embedded tutors too!

3. Do I have to come to concurrent support at the scheduled times?

Generally, yes.  We count attendance as a part of the grade and it is essential to succeeding in your class that you set aside regular times each week to work on math.  It also helps build community in the class and rapport with your instructor.  Having said that, we totally understand that sometimes students cannot attend a class due to family or medical emergencies, so you can make up any lost time by going to another section.  If you would like more help beyond what you have in your support class, then feel free to attend other sections as well!

4. Are there assignments associated with this class?

 Yes!  In the beginning of the semester (while there is not too much work in your math class), we ask students to work through several Successful Learning Activities.  In these assignments, you will develop useful learning skills that will help you in your math class as well as later on in life, including time management, note-taking and study skills, dealing with anxiety, how to prepare for a test, etc.

Once the semester has started, we give credit for work that you will likely already be doing in your math class, including completing a practice test, writing quiz corrections, watching videos covering topics in your math class, etc.

 5. Which support class should I take?

 It will depend on your current math class:

Current Math Class Sign up for this Concurrent Support Class  
Math 33, Math 40, or Math 47   NMAT 200C (tuition-free) or Math 100C (1 lab unit)
Math 30, Math 34, or Math 39   NMAT 201C (tuition-free) or Math 101C (1 lab unit)
Math 1 NMAT 201C (tuition-free) or Math 66C (1 lab unit)
Math 2 NMAT 201C (tuition-free) or Math 67C (1 lab unit)
Math 3 NMAT 201C (tuition-free) or Math 68C (1 lab unit)

 

6. I am interested in this class, but the requirements needed to pass this class are intimidating.

You are not alone, but give the course a try!  We believe that after you have tried it, you will find the course helpful in achieving your goals.  Each semester, we survey current students in the courses and on average 90% of respondents say they would recommend the class to a friend.

Many students who do not want to worry about passing this support class choose to take it non-credit (i.e. NMAT 200C or NMAT 201C).  Non-credit classes do not appear on your official transcript; instead, they go on a non-credit transcript that students generally use only if they are pursuing a non-credit certificate.  We actually recommend that students take the class non-credit if they can.

7. What is the difference between non-credit (tuition-free) and credit (1 lab unit)?

There are a lot of administrative differences, but they should not affect your class experience.  Students can take the class non-credit if they are enrolled in a first level transfer course (Math 30, 33, 34, 39, 40 or 47) or if they are in a Calculus course and seek prerequisit support to fill in any learning gaps.  Non-credit courses are tuition-free and do not appear on your official transcript.  Credit courses cost one lab unit, so can be used by students who need it to reach full-time status (for financial aid reasons).  International students are not able to take non-credit classes.  You can find more information at the Admissions and Records NonCredit Frequently Asked Questions Page.

8. OK, I have decided to take the class non-credit, but I cannot find the class on Class-Web.  Where is it located?

Happy to have you in the class!  The non-credit (NMAT) courses are not under the Mathematics discipline, but the Non-Credit Mathematics discipline.  If you look under N for the subject category, you should be able to find it.

9. I still have some questions - is there anyone that I can ask for more information?

Feel free to contact us anytime and we will help as best we can.  The course coordinators are Michael Peterson (mhpeterson@laspositascollege.edu) and Kristy Woods (kwoods@laspositascollege.edu).