Learning Support Centers in Higher Education

1. Learning Support Centers in Higher Education Presented By: Barrington Campbell

2. Definition of Learning Support • Any activity beyond a college program's prescribed content that contributes to individual students' attendance, retention, learning, and achievement. Green, M. and L. Milbourne. (1998). Making learning support work. FE Matters; v2 n6 1998. ED417345

3. Definition of Learning Support • Any place where learners, learning materials, learner data, and learning facilitators are interwoven into a sequential, cybernetic individualized, people-oriented system to service all students and faculty of any institution for whom learning by its students is important. Christ, F. L. (1971). Systems for learning assistance: Learner, learning facilitators, and learning centers. In F. L. Christ (Ed)

4. Purpose/Function • To provide educational support in a flexible manner • To help identify students in need of specialized learning programs • To offer an opportunity for students to realize academically to their fullest potential Ludeman, R. B. (ed.) (2000). The role of student affairs and services in higher education: A practical manual for developing, implementing, and assessing student affairs programmes and services. UNESCO. 34. http://www.nade.net/A7.%20standards.htm

5. Purpose/Function • To assist students in becoming secure & effective learners • To assist faculty seeking ways to improve student learning strategies in curricula • To provide opportunities for peer support • To encourage understanding of diversity among learners Ludeman, R. B. (ed.) (2000). The role of student affairs and services in higher education: A practical manual for developing, implementing, and assessing student affairs programmes and services. UNESCO. 34. http://www.nade.net/A7.%20standards.htm

6. Typical Activity • Consulting with faculty and students regarding student learning needs • Creating and delivering seminars, workshops, and lectures that are appropriate to support student learning • Providing facilities for students and faculty who access learning support materials and programs • Providing service to individuals seeking assistance with academic tasks Ludeman, R. B. (ed.) (2000). The role of student affairs and services in higher education: A practical manual for developing, implementing, and assessing student affairs programmes and services. UNESCO. 34. http://www.nade.net/A7.%20standards.htm

7. Typical Activity • Making available appropriate materials and support mechanisms for student learning • Coordinating activities of peer support groups • Promoting learning support services through advertising, events, and activities • Raising awareness of diversity in cultural and learning style Ludeman, R. B. (ed.) (2000). The role of student affairs and services in higher education: A practical manual for developing, implementing, and assessing student affairs programmes and services. UNESCO. 34. http://www.nade.net/A7.%20standards.htm

8. Distinguishing Btwn Learning Support Centers & Developmental Education • The learning support centers welcomes everyone, while the developmental program entertain a select few. • Learning support centers acts as a service entity, while the developmental program acts as a curricular department • Learning support centers often help instructors develop success skills programs, while developmental programs ask for support of established agendas or curricula http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~lsche/about/diffs.htm