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Learning Assistance program offers free services to aid students |
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
by KELSEY OHLEGER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
As midterms approach, many students begin gathering notes and past quizzes to prepare for late night study sessions alone in the library.
However, students can also seek alternative academic help offered with no cost on campus.
Director of the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) Cama J. Duke believes many students can benefit
from academic assistance.
 Kerbey E. Pennell, sophomore exercise science major, and Richard J. Pollard, junior exercise science major, receive tutoring from Chris T. Flora, a senior physics major, at the Learning Assistance Program located in D.D. Dougherty Hall. Photo by Anna Donlan
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“Studies show that successful students use campus resources in addition to independent effort,” she said.
Duke said it is not too late to seek academic help through LAP before the first crucial test of the year.
“Now is a good time to ask yourself ‘Do I need tutoring or any kind of academic support?’” Duke said.
Appalachian Learning Skills Services offers many different types of programs to suit the needs of all
students.
In the tutoring lab located in room 208 of D. D. Dougherty Hall, all students are able to request free
one-on-one tutoring services.
Students are assigned tutors based on their subject of expertise to guide fellow students to
understanding and completing their assigned work.
Two other options for assistance are departmental help labs and supplemental instruction.
Both options are group sessions that allow students to drop in without scheduling an appointment.
Departmental help labs are staffed by qualified tutors or faculty members who assist students in
various math, physics and accounting courses.
Supplemental instruction is available for biology and chemistry students.
The sessions are available two or three times a week and taught by “exceptional students,” according
to the Web site.
Appalachian hires students who have earned an “A” in the course to attend the classes and take notes
to assist others during the one-hour study session.
“Supplemental instruction is a great chance to get with a smaller group of students and have a
successful study session,” Duke said.
For help with writing assignments, the University Writing Center, located in room 008 of Belk Library &
Information Commons, is open for free, drop-in services from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.
The center employs trained graduate and undergraduate students, as well as faculty members, to
assist students with any writing-related need.
Freshman Brian A. Hinson, a graphic design major, began seeking help at the writing center for papers
in his Expository Writing course last semester.
Now, he finds himself returning almost every other week.
“I’ve never once had a bad experience or a session in which I didn’t learn something,” Hinson said.
“Through going to the writing center, I’ve learned a lot about grammar and writing in general, which has
helped me with my other classes.”
If a student enjoys the assistance they receive from a certain consultant, they can check the schedule
located on the University Writing Center’s Web Site and return during a time this employee is
scheduled.
“Unlike sitting down with a professor who is probably grading you, there is no pressure or a possible
sense of belittlement,” Hinson said. “It’s sort of like sitting down with a friend and talking about your
writing.”
Along with these services, LAP offers credit courses for students to enroll in to improve their studies.
Hinson is currently enrolled in a half-semester Power Reading course for one hour of elective credit.
“There has been so much I’ve learned in this class that I’ve been able to apply to all of my other
studies,” Hinson said. “As a college student, I’m constantly having to read and study, and through
taking this class, I’ve become much more comfortable with doing both.”
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