Learning assistance program expands

New programs designed to help students

ocated in the Robertson Library, the

Learning Assistance Center has been in

operation for the past five years. It has aided students with tutoring programs for any- thing from English to calculus and statistics. Along with a certified teacher who works with elementary students, the center has ten tutors in all. Most of the tutors are students in their third or fourth years, and are quite willing to assist anyone who is having troubles. Each tutoring session costs $15.00 for non-students and $10.00 for university students. Services are available Tuesday through Thursday 4:30-9:00 P.M. and appointments can be made by calling the center

at 566-0435. Victoria Johnston, part time co- ordinator of the Learning Assistance Center says this year’s tutoring program is great, and the center has had a ‘‘fabulous response’’ from the students.

Last year the Learning Assistance Center jumped at the opportunity to use the old CEIC room as a teaching area. Now that they have more space, they have been able to develop more programs for students both in university and out.

This is the first year for trying out these new ideas. Mrs Johnston hopes that students will take me of the programs which have been developed for them. Al- though they do cost money, (prices ranging from $5.00 to $45.00), they are rather afford- able and it is a great way to develop new skills.

The Speak Easy Pro- gram allows students to gain the confidence and the skills necessary to communicate their ideas to others, in the forms of discussion, seminar

participation and social inter- action.

In university, students have to do a lot of writing, which is why the Writing Lab was cre- ated. It helps students who are experiencing writing difficul- ties improve their writing skills.

Effective Reading: all stu- dents know that with uni- versity, there are a lot of re- quired reading assignments, and this program educates stu- dents in becoming efficient readers. It helps students en- hance their reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, skimming and scanning.

University students also

Victoria Johnston, part-time coordinator of the Learning

Assistance Center

12/X-Press/October 14, 1993

have to learn proper study ‘skills. The Study Skills pro-

"Most of the tutors are students in their third or fourth years, and are quite willing to assist anyone who is having troubles."

gram was developed for students who want to develop their dexterity while attending univer- sity. Some of the topics they touch on are: time management, textbook and reading assignments, lectures, studying for tests and exams, and stress management.

All of these programs have been created to aid students throughout their university years, and in life. Although there has not been a lot of response from the students yet, Mrs. Johnston has faith in the programs. She realizes that it takes a little time for people to get used to something new, and she hopes that students will realize the importance of the programs.

The Learning Assistance Service wants to assist students as much as possible, and is willing to look into developing more programs for students who want them. They look forward to receiving suggestions from students.

The center’s hours are:

Monday 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday 10:00am - 9:00pm Friday 10:00am - 4:00 GRACE KIMPINSKI