ERIC_NO:
ED455901
TITLE:
Learning Assistance Centers: Helping Students Through. ERIC Digest.
AUTHOR:
Stern, Stefanie
PUBLICATION_DATE:
2001
ABSTRACT:
This digest focuses on the importance of learning assistance centers (LACs) to academic success and student retention. LACs
differ from learning resource centers, which mainly provide and
disseminate educational information. They also differ from
development education offices, which give emphasis to teaching basic
skills and preparing students for college-level coursework.
According to this digest, LACs concentrate on: academic diagnosis,
study skills, peer/professional tutoring, supplemental instruction,
computer-assisted instruction (self-learning), developmental
courses, faculty outreach, public relations (open to all potential
students, traditional or nontraditional), staff development,
referral services, counseling/advising, evaluation (student
questionnaires/alumni surveys), and academic follow-up. LACs also
help institutions retain students. Community colleges with primarily
a nontraditional, transient population have a difficult time
retaining students who feel they don't belong in college or feel no
connection with the college. LACs can provide these students with a
link to the college, helping build a sense of place or belonging.
LACs can also help colleges become a more comprehensive student
learning environment. (MKF)
MAJOR_DESCRIPTORS:
Community Colleges; Educational Diagnosis; Skill Development; Student Development; Tutoring;
MINOR DESCRIPTORS:
Basic Skills; Computer Assisted Instruction; High Risk Students; Learning Strategies; Remedial Instruction; Two Year Colleges;
IDENTIFIERS:
ERIC Digests; *Learning Assistance Centers
PUBLICATION_TYPE:
071; 073