Page 2 The Lion’s Eye February 27; 2001 No reason to suffer in silence Let the Learning Center ease your pain By KATHY SMITH Staff Writer Study groups are one of the most important aspects of the Learning Center. The Learning Center is con- stantly setting up study groups based upon student interest. Students can come to the Learning Center at any time for help with any subject or to set up study groups. Usually students setting up the study group are identified as facilita- tors, and take care of letting the Learning Center managers know how things are going with each group. Some of the study groups that are active right now include: chem. 12, HDEFS 129, bio 129, accounting, soc 1, religious studies and criminal justice. Professional and peer tutoring are available in all math courses on an individual or group basis. The Learning Center has set up study groups as part of their "Collaboration to Excel," which is par- tially funded by University EOPC funds. David Johnson, in Cooperation in the Classroom, has shown people often "get more done by sharing their skills and resources than by working alone." "Students working together with other students who are like-mind- ed in wanting to learn and do well in classes is often much more effective and efficient in learning than when a student studies completely on his/her own," says Norma Notzold of the Learning Center. "Group effort is more stimu- lating because you can approach sub- jects from different perspectives and think about certain information differ- ently than if its looked at from your own point of view," adds Notzold. "In addition, discussion urges questioning, which is the center for real learning." Study groups do more than help students study. They also help build a support system for students. For example, if a student has trouble with algebra, he can ask one of his study buddies for help. He won't be alone dealing with those horrible 3y+2=2x equations. "It is important that students realize that most learning occurs out of the classroom and study groups are a great way to develop a common sense of community," says Notzold. Notzold suggests all students ANTEIA CONSORTO Students study together around the tables in the Learning Center. come to the Learning Center today. Join a study group or take advantage of the tools available to you. Even if you just want to hang out in a relaxing and friendly erviron- ment, Room 205 Main is waiting for you. Sharpen your skills at Hate smoking? Here's how you can win $250 Do you hate walking around campus inhaling second-hand smoke? Does the wall of smoke outside each building make you sick? This campus seems to have a smoking problem. Cigarette butts are left everywhere and there's no escape from second-hand smoke. It's time we came up with a solution to this problem. This campus is offering a $250 reward to the student group (i.e. two or more students) who comes up with the best solution to this problem. Written proposals should be submitted by April 1 to Dr. Tomezsco in the administration office in the main building. A panel of faculty and staff judges will decide on a winning proposal. The April 1 dealine is fast approaching, so start thinking now about how to solve the smoking problem on our campus. the Learning Center By KATHY SMITH Staff Writer Believe it or not, the Learning Center is probably one of the most important places to be on the Penn State Delaware County campus. Located in room 205 Main, the Learning Center has much to offer. It not only provides information and academic enrichment in any class, it is also an extremely friendly environment as well. "The Learning Center is a place where you can meet new people," said Sandra Gondi, a freshman who assists in the Center. The Learning Center is waiting for stu- dents to stop in who need guidance in proof- reading, writing papers of any sort, reviewing class notes and reading difficult textbooks. Need help studying for a quiz or exam? Even basic help on daily class work is available and waiting for you in the Learning Center. Need a job in between classes? Stop into the Learning Center and see what's cur- rently available. So you say, why work there? "It's very convenient for me being able to work hours in between classes. I'm here, like all the other tutors because I like what I do," said Adam Wojciechowicz, an English tutor in the Learning Center. Everyone is welcome to stop in and meet with any one of the friendly professional instructors and peer tutors, so don't be afraid. "Students often think that being tutors here at Delco will work grudgingly with them, but that's not really the case," said Wojciechowicz. Best of all the Learning Center offers convenient hours year-round. That's right, got a summer class you just can't understand or put your mind to? The Learning Center is there for you. In the center you will find numerous items available to assist you with any problems you encounter. Among them: textbooks, study guides, computer disks of reviews and quizzes for targeted courses, a disk of grammar which you can use to practice. "The Learning Center is an incredible resource, because of it there's little excuse to get less than a B in all your classes here at Delco," said Wojciechowicz. There are tutors available for all sub- jects. If you are a student who speaks English as a second language, or who may have a learn- ing disability, support services are available. Has psychology got you stumped? You're not alone. Come into the Learning Center and check out the brand new online review of psychology. It's a great resource. And let's not forget English 5, a one-credit course that meets once a week and can help strength- en your performance in English 4 or English 15. "English 5 helps a lot because they cri- tique your paper and edit it to the point where it's an 'A' paper and you get a credit that counts during graduation," said Marco Romano, a freshman. : : Workshops are one of the many aids available in the Learning Center. If you need an extra credit, joining one of these groups may be a perfect solution. Sharmon Bryant teaches CuEd297A, also known as Effective Decision Making. This one-credit class gives students a chance to examine their own interests, skills, goals and personalities as they begin to make decisions now for future careers. Contact Bryant for more information in the Learning Center. Career Development and Business Communication, taught by Carol Minski, is directed towards junior business majors and includes resume writing. Contact Minski for more information about this one-credit class. Norma Notzold will be teaching Ed Psych 297B, designed to teach effective study skills. Students have an opportunity to expand their strategies for learning. They can learn new methods to enhance learning, memory, test taking, reading and writing skills. Students can apply these skills to their courses and every day life. The Learning Center encourages stu- dents to be strategic in their studying. Students need to know what is expected. They should have a variety of methods at their disposal and reflect on how effective their approaches are. That is why these three classes are important. Anyone is welcome to sign up for these class- es. The benefit is twofold, not only are you learning valuable information and strergthen- ing your skills, you are picking up an extra credit.
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