Mathematics Skills Tests

• Mandatory for all Math 1P01 and Math 1P05 students.
• You must score at least 70% on all 7 Mathematics Skills Tests by midnight on September 16, 2011 as one of the requirements for receiving a credit in Math 1P01 or Math 1P05.
• Don't wait! Complete all of the Mathematics Skills Tests before classes begin in the Fall!
• Read "Important Action Steps" below, then visit the Mathematics Skills Tests at https://webwork.brocku.ca/webwork2/MathSkills

WELCOME Hard-Working Students!

The online Mathematics Skills Tests are a review of essential high-school mathematics, with topics taken from Ontario Grade 11 Functions and Grade 12 Advanced Functions.

The Mathematics Skills Tests are designed to:

• optimally prepare you for success in university calculus (Math 1P01 or Math 1P05)
• ensure that you master all the necessary mathematics skills so that you will succeed in your program

Research shows that the primary impediment to succeeding in university math, science, and computer science programs is weak math background. The Mathematics Skills Tests will help you diagnose which areas of math you need to work on, then give you the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery.

Important Action Steps

• Register for your courses.
• If you are registered in either Math 1P01 or Math 1P05, then within 48 hours of registration you will be automatically enrolled in the online Mathematics Skills Tests.
• Wait for about 24-48 hours after you have registered; then go to the Mathematics Skills Tests web site

  https://webwork.brocku.ca/webwork2/MathSkills

  and log on. Use your Brock portal username and password (the same username and password that you use for all Brock purposes).

• On the web site you will notice 84 practice homework sets, all of which start with an S, and 7 Math Skills Tests. In most cases there are about 10 practice homework sets designed to help prepare you for each Math Skills Test. You'll quickly figure out which practice homework sets match which Math Skills Test. (All the practice homework files beginning with S01 match with Math Skills Test 1, all the practice homework files beginning with S02 match with Math Skills Test 2, etc.)
• Start by clicking on "Orientation" to learn how to use the system. It will only take you a few minutes to learn.
• Next, click on some of the practice problem files (there are 84 of them, and their names all begin with "S"), and get down to work! The program gives you instant feedback on whether you have answered each question correctly, and you can try each question as many times as you wish.
• When you feel ready, try one of the 7 Math Skills Tests, which are at the bottom of the list at the https://webwork.brocku.ca/webwork2/MathSkills web site. To satisfy one of the requirements for getting credit in Math 1P01 or Math 1P05, you'll need to score at least 70% on each of the 7 Math Skills Tests by mid-September.
• Each of the Math Skills Tests has a time limit. There is a clock showing the remaining time in the upper right corner of the screen during each test. Click on the "Grade Test" button once you're ready to submit your test. Avoid clicking the "back" button on your web browser, as this will very likely erase any answers you've already input into your test!
• Try each test as many times as you wish, until you score 70% or greater ... but the system makes you wait 10 minutes between tries on each individual test.  (You can do all 7 tests consecutively without waiting between tests, if you wish. But to take a particular test again, you have to wait 10 minutes after clicking "Grade Test".) Once you score 70% or greater on all 7 tests, you are done!
• The purpose of this online system is to help you to master essential high-school mathematics. Our experience shows that by mastering these essential mathematics skills, the probability of success in your university studies is dramatically improved. For your maximum benefit, do the tests honestly. Don't refer to books or have the assistance of anyone else, or computer software, while you do the tests. (Of course, use any needed resources while you are doing the homework training exercises to help you review the material.) Treat this online system as a diagnostic and training tool. The point of this system is to help you identify any areas of high-school math where your preparation might be weak, and then to master essential high-school math so that you will succeed in your program. Use it as it is intended, to make sure you are well-prepared for your Fall classes, and you will benefit enormously!
• NOTE: Check your Brock email account at least once per week for important messages concerning the Math Skills Test!

It will help you enormously if you complete each of the SEVEN Math Skills Tests BEFORE classes begin in September. If you can't manage this, complete the tests as soon as you can, preferably before the end of the first week of classes. Don't wait until school starts in September to begin work, as you will quickly become extremely busy. You'll be much more efficient with your studies this Fall if you make sure your math skills are in top shape! The deadline is mid-September.

Remember: To satisfy one of the requirements for getting credit in Math 1P01 or Math 1P05, you'll need to score at least 70% on each of the 7 Math Skills Tests by mid-September.

So work hard and master each topic!

All the best wishes for success in your program!

If you have any questions, contact
Darrell Short

Location: MC J401

Phone: (905) 688-5550 Ext. 5269

email: dshort@brocku.ca