Faculty referrals welcome at new Learning Centre Faculty members in Coquitlam and Maple Ridge are reminded that a new Learning Centre is now operating at the David Lam Campus. The first centre opened at the New Westminster Campus several years ago and has proven very successful, offering students support through one-on-one peer tutoring and specially selected learning software. Since its inception, the philosophy for the Learning Centre has been to provide students with critical basic tools that will assist them to succeed in their chosen programs. Scheduled group workshops are open to all students but individualized tutorial service requires written referral from an instructor. Both locations provide training in areas such as study skills and academic writing, exam preparation and basic word processing. At the same time, Coquitlam staffer Joan Barnet underlines what the Centres cannot do. “We're not a quick fix. We're not here to edit papers for students, but if they come here early we can teach them the process to improve essay-writing skills.” Coming early on in their college experience can make the learning process much easier for students. “We often get students who have reached the ‘overwhelmed’ stage. That makes it challenging because these students still have to carry their regular load and complete extra work,” says Barnet. But she adds that the Centre strives to be of benefit for students of all levels. “We'd like to get some more ‘C’ students who could achieve higher grades if they had better skills in areas Douglas College Bookstore Sale All Clothing @ Backpacks & Bags such as organization or test-writing. Most people can read and understand a textbook, but in an exam situation they may not know how to relay that knowledge to answer a specific question.” Students attending the Learning Centre get an initial half-hour session with a staffer to assess their learning needs. They then work one-on-one with a student tutor, who is employed through the Work Study Program. “It’s a very student-oriented centre. The students at risk feel less threatened in a tutorial with another student and our tutors learn a lot about themselves. We encourage instructors to recommend students as tutors as well as referring any students who need assistance.” The David Lam Campus Learning Centre is located in Room B1350. For more information, please call local 5865. ff Thursday & Friday December 5 & 6 New Westminster Campus David Lam Campus Computer & Office Supplies Cards & Calendars Gift Items Stationery Everything except food, stamps, calculators and books! Don’t miss it