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Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) Program
Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) is an academic support program that is available to all interested students. SLA features weekly study and practice workshops in which students master course content to develop and apply specific learning strategies for the course, as well as strengthen their study skills to improve performance in the current SLA course, and for future courses. The workshops are led (facilitated) by successful upper-level students, who in collaboration with the professor, develop workshop materials. The facilitators clarify lecture points for the students and assist them in understanding the expectations of the professor, while additionally focusing on improved study skills.
The content for an SLA course is identical to that of a non-SLA course. The difference is that if a student’s grade falls below a “C”*, the SLA student is required to attend all workshop sessions until the grade returns to a “C” or better. *The faculty may decide to set the mandatory ‘cut-off’ grade higher, if he/she feels it is necessary. If students desire, they may continue to attend the workshops voluntarily, after they have achieved the established cut-off grade, to maintain their high grades. Workshop activities frequently include study guides, collaborative learning/group activities, homework assistance, test preparation, and study skills such as discovering your preferred learning style, efficient note-taking, time management, and test-taking strategies. Workshops meet from one to two hours per week throughout the entire semester. The workshop times are formally attached to the student’s class schedule and there is no additional charge to the student for this support.
Students who anticipate the need for additional help in a specific course can find the SLA schedule/sections that are offered during fall and winter semesters by going on myBanner and clicking in the “Attribute Type” box, and then clicking on Structured Learning Assistance.
Is an SLA Course Right for You?
If you agree with any of the following statements, you may want to enroll in an SLA course!
- I am interested in a competitive post-graduate program, and it is essential that I do well in my courses.
- I can grasp most subject content, but sometimes I need to have the material explained again.
- After having taken a test, I often don’t do as well as I thought I would.
For further information about the Structured Learning Assistance Program, please feel free to contact the SLA Coordinator at (616) 331-2673.
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