At Columbia College, every
effort is made to help students develop their full potential. The
Academic Skills Center is an important part of that effort.
A program of the Department
of English, the Academic Skills Center offers writing, reading and
study skill development to all students. In addition, the Center
encourages students to learn to use these essential tools for academic
success:
- Calendar-- to
write down assignments and appointments
- Books-- reading
in and out of the classroom
- Journal -- to
record events, grades, etc.
- Computer access
- A good relationship
with professors
- Boldness-- courage
to ask questions
Writing Skills Development
INDIVIDUAL TUTORING --The ASC employs
the best English students on campus to assist with writing problems.
These peer tutors help with anything from thinking of a topic to editing,
so bring a draft or just an idea for a paper to the Center for helpful
suggestions or intensive, one-on-one instruction. The Center is open
from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday.
No appointment is necessary.
Reading Skills Development
TUTORING IN READING -- A reading specialist
is available to give individual guidance in overcoming inefficient
reading behaviors. She will assess present reading skills and habits,
then give direction for developing college-level reading skills. These
reading skills are developed using textbooks with which the student
is struggling, so all reading material used in instruction is relative
and pertinent to the student.
HANDOUTS -- A rack just inside the door
of the ASC houses handouts on various topics, including reading textbooks.
The handouts are available free of charge to students.
Study Skills Development
INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY-SKILL COUNSELING
-- Present study skills can be addressed by a computerized study-skills
inventory (LASSI), after which individual study-skill counseling is
available. Although not a tutoring service, the study-skills counseling
is tailored to those courses in which the student is having difficulty
or wanting improvement. Learn to manage time, study for tests, take
notes, and other skills.
VIDEOS ON STUDY SKILLS -- Video tapes
available to students include Decision Making, Preparing to Study,
Test Taking Without Fear, Note-taking, Memory, and Exams. These videotapes
may be viewed in the media center by any student.
