Page 2 The Lion’s Eye Eve on Campus October 18 , 2002 By SARAH GALLATIG Lion's Eye staff writer Imagine working toward your degree, separated from your native culture and language by thousands of miles? Imagine, because that’s what it is like for about 15 percent of the entry-level students on the Penn State Delco campus. That percentage is expected to grow. “We have a diverse population here; many are stu- dents who were born outside the U.S. Some have been here (in the U.S.) for fewer than three years.” said Deb Seifried, professional Learning Center tutor. ond language succeed, Penn State Delco faculty and staff from the English department and the Learning Center have developed a program now known as the American Studies Cluster. The American Studies Cluster provides courses, experiences, and academic In order to help students who have English as a sec- Growing ESL population gets a hand at Delco support services that target the special needs of ESL students. Many ESL students are orally fluent in their native language and in English, but, "they often lack fluency in reading and writing in both languages." said Myra Goldschmidt, a founder of the program and assistant professor of English. “This program works on common second language problems,” said Seifried. “For example, articles that are used in English, such as ‘a’ and ‘the,’ are not used in other languages.” The program also introduces students to common background knowledge of the American culture. “We talk about American. holidays like Thanksgiving, as well as stories that we learn as chil- dren, like ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,” said Seifried In addition, students learn traditional American val- ues of independence and self-sufficiency. The program was developed three years ago after “it became clear that many ESL students were dropping general education classes because they were unable to keep up with course requirements,” said Goldschmidt. Learning Center but too many of the concepts taught were new to them so they weren't able to make con- nections between new and previous information,” said Norma Notzold, director of the Learning Center . ject, nor does it make up for deficiencies in skill prepa- ration and specific background knowledge.” said Goldschmidt. successful. the first two years has shown that these students are succeeding at a higher rate than many of the students who don't have barriers to overcome,” said Notzold. “They were attending tutorial sessions in the “Getting support does not ensure mastery of a sub- The program, Notzold said, has been remarkably “Research on the students who participated during Contact Sarah Gallatig at SLG232@psu.edu PSU puts on best face for Community By PAM PRZYBYLSKI Lion's Eye staff writer Current students, prospective students, friends and family were invited to Community Day at Penn State Delco Saturday, Oct. 5S. It was intended to be a day of fun and entertainment and, from all indications, that’s exactly what it was. Besides various musical performances — by both fac- ulty and students — cheerleading routines, contests and tours, Community Day was also a chance for various Penn Sate Delco organizations and clubs to recruit new members. "I'm here to promote my major, so our legend lives on and there are dedicated teachers to go on and teach in Philadelphia." said senior Andy Lowry, majoring in Urban Education. Many tables were set up to catch the visitors’ eye. In addition to the clubs, campus departments— like the Penn State Alumni Association— were also there to hand out information and even sponsor trivia games. Some other campus organizations present at Community Day were the IST club, MSA, Dance Club and International Studies Awareness club. The campus' own literary magazine, Penn in Hand, sponsored a poetry contest, and even the Learning Center had a table of information available. Entertainment was provided throughout the day. Penn State's cheerleaders dazzled the crowd with their routines, and the Nittany Lion roamed the campus. Musical per- formances were done by the Yearsley Mill Ramblers who performed "Dixie Land." Other musical entertainment was provided by 103.9 The Beat, who joined in on the Photo by James Gilson Kids occupled thelr time by painting pumpkins at the Llon’s Eye exhibit, as thelr parents, brothers and sisters took In other entertainment and fun at the Penn State Delco Community Day Oct. 5. activities by setting up a miniature golf area. Y 100 radio was also on location giving out loads of free stuff includ- ing: T-shirts, caps, backpacks, CDs, movie posters and beverages. "It's a really nice day, a good day to come and do this," said Erica Strong, from Y 100 radio. One of the biggest attractions of Community Day was the car show. There were a number of different cars out for display including: a ’61 Oldsmobile Super 88, a blue Toyota MR2 coupe, and a 64 red Mustang, registered as a Pennsylvania antique. The weather was sunny and beautiful. Many visitors came, the entertainment was fun, and everyone walked around with a smile. Next year's event may be just as successful, but it wil;l have a tough act to follow.. Contact Pam Przybylski at PKP116@psu.edu By AMANDA TROMBETTI over the next few weeks. How to center in on learning how to learn The sessions - Notzold said. “Students often find a certain routine out to be a success,” Notzold said. Lion's Eye staff writer Having trouble studying for a test or exam? Feeling stressed out, and finding it hard to fit everything into your busy schedule? : The Learning Center, which has set up study workshops to help you with all of your needs, may be just the thing you're looking for. ; Sessions began Wed, Oct. 2, with note-taking, and others will continue are at common hour and they are: Reading efficiently, memory skills , time management, stress management, and tests and exams. “(The) workshops are hands-on, (and) by no means a lecture,” said Norma Notzold, Learning Center Assistance Coordinator. New this. year are videotapes for a few of the workshops. They are there to help and guide all students. “(The workshops) present topics to show students an alternative way to study more effectively and efficiently,” to study,” she said, “and do not want to take the initiative to find an alternative 2 way. “Many students do not want to try something new, (but) there are other strategies for studying,” Notzold said. Along with finding new ways to study, you can also find ways to deal with stress, and manage your time prop- erly at the Learning Center. “The students often find the stress management workshop fun, and it turns « at least one session.” “There is something for every stu- dent to participate in,” Notzold said. “Freshmen would benefit if they came to The Learning Center is open at any time for students to learn and acquire study skills. For additional information contact Norma Notzold at (610) 892-1460 or q nonl @psu.edu, or stop by the Learning Center, second Floor, Main Building. Contact Amanda Trombetti at AUTI114@psu.edu
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