News
Evonik helps make local fifth-graders smarter in math
By KEN MUNSON
Jun 21, 2008, 16:34

When Dupont Elementary School students are having trouble in math, the employees of Evonik Goldschmidt are stepping into help.
Evonik's tutoring program stems from a proposal seven years ago to the Hopewell Industrial Panel, that workers be given a little extra time in their lunch hour to tutor the many students who need extra help in math class. While other companies in the city have made smaller efforts to pitch in, none have come close to matching the support from Evonik.
"These kids can't believe there are people who care if they do well in math," said fifth-grade math teacher Mary Beth Hull, who notes that for many of the students, academic achievement isn't emphasized in their families.
The tutoring program teaches fifth-graders who are struggling with math. Fifth grade is a crucial time in the math program, as students start learning subjects beyond basic arithmetic: Fractions, decimals, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics are just a few of the subjects taught by the tutors. The tutors also have to help with past subjects that the students may be weak on, such as timetables.
Hull also noted that the many male tutors have a great effect on the students.
"In elementary school, you don't have many males, and to have these guys coming in, it really does makes a difference," said Hull.
The volunteers also say it's a rewarding experience for them as well.
"It's a little bit intimidating in the beginning, because you think, 'Am I smarter than a fifth grader,' particularly where it's math," said Karen Burley, volunteer tutor and Evonik employee. "For most of us, the way they
teach math now is different from
the way we were taught in fifth grade. But it is so worthwhile when you start to connect with the kids. It's
not scary and you work it out together."
One of the techniques the Evonik employees use to help the kids, says Hull, is to relate math to their own jobs.
"These tutors show them they need to know math, and they're going to use it out in the real world," said Hull.
This year, the company had 19 tutors working to help 21 kids, meaning that the students received almost one-on-one tutoring. Hull says that the tutors, giving 45 minutes to the class every week, have helped over 150 students over the past seven years.

© Hopewell News 2007