October 3, 1995 --- Interview with Dr. Bogacki, Asst. Professor at ODU Math Department


Q: What is the problem with studeents and mathematics?
A: The problem is lack of motivation, time. The tutorial should be interesting and challenging. The tutorial should promote good study habits.

Q: Of the tutorial applications that exist, are they effective?
A: Not really, a tutorial should combine/contain prerequisites also. For instance, some students are proficient in Calculus but there Algebra skills are weak. A tutorial should mimick a good tutor, be dynamic. It should not duplicate a book.

Q: Do you think it would be hard to implement rules into a tutorial application?
A: The tutorial should focus on how people learn. It should contain rules, detailed examples, problems.

Q: What is the purpose of the Calculus lab? How does it tie in with my idea?
A: The Calculus lab was not designed to see if grades would improve. It was designed to aid students in the learning process.

Q: Of the questions asked by students, could they be put on or answered by a tutorial?
A: Not all questions could be answered by a tutorial.


Other important points mentioned during the interview:
A tutorial is like one on one instruction which is better than classroom instruction for some students.

Tutorials should use true math symbols. For instance they should use the true square root symbol instead of sqrt like some graphic calculators. Students have a hard enough time learning the concepts without having to learn bogus symbols.