October 5, 2016

CENTENARY UNIVERSITY OFFERS THIS SERVICE FOR FREE

Mathematics tutoring for children can be an expensive endeavor. Many services can cost $50 to $75 per hour, which can be taxing to most families’ budgets. Members of the local community and beyond are in luck, however, as Centenary University’s Downtown Office has hosted free mathematics tutoring for grades 2 to 8 over the past four years and just started offering this service for the new academic year.

This service has been made possible by Kathy Turrisi, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Centenary University. Tutoring hours are on Mondays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. at the Centenary Downtown Office, which is located at 217 Main Street in Hackettstown.

The tutors for this program include Centenary University students, volunteers from Trinity United Methodist Church and members of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

“Our tutors really provide the children with innovative methods to engage them in the subject matter,” says Turrisi. “The tutors often develop materials or games that students can utilize that are designed to make the learning process fun.”

For example, Elementary Education and Special Education student, Jessica Ervey, utilizes an exercise that incorporates a miniature bowling ball and pins. It is designed to provide a visual component for addition and subtraction of numbers. Mathematics and Education student Sherrie Fullerton cites “building relationships with students” as to why this program is so successful. The parents of the students who also utilize this service are quite pleased with the results that they have experienced.

“Before my son enrolled in this program he had no confidence when it came to mathematics,” says Sue Falco of Mansfield Township. “By the end of the year, his confidence went up dramatically due to the support and encouragement that he received through this opportunity. His test scores went up 20 to 25 points on average and the grade that he earned at the end of the year was a B+. This is a substantial improvement overall, so I am very thankful that I found this service.”

Those who are interested must call Professor Turrisi at (908) 852-1400, ext. 2321 to make an appointment. Due to the limited availability of spots, walk-ins are not permitted.

 Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University is an independent, coeducational liberal arts and career studies university distinguished by an accomplished faculty, small class size and diverse student body. Centenary is the only baccalaureate and master’s degree granting institution in northwest New Jersey.

Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County). The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey. The School of International Programs recruits international students for study at Centenary and Centenary students for study abroad.

 

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