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By Susan Henderson
Tutor Kailyn Young (centre) helps Alix Wong and Josh Logan with their math in the Learning Commons.
PHOTO: UVic Photo Services
It’s mid-week, mid-term, and a steady stream of students is entering the Mearns Centre for Learning. Some students are hitting the books and some are heading for the Learning Commons where they can find extra help when they need it most. Though they may not be fully aware of it, they’re taking part in a “preventative” approach to student support—one that is improving student life by helping them before they get overwhelmed and fall behind.
Here in one location students can access resources, services and technology they need for learning, writing and research. This evolution in student learning is possible because other learner-centred service providers on campus are partnering with UVic Libraries. Students can seek out numerous support programs in key learning areas: writing, math, statistics, chemistry, physics, scholarly research methods, computer help and peer tutoring. Previously, these various services supporting learners were only available from providers spread across campus.
The Learning Commons supports learning in a holistic fashion to create active learning spaces. Using the social network model, it brings together teaching assistants, librarians, tutors, instructors and professors—a knowledgeable community dedicated to improving the quality of student learning. Since opening in September 2008, the Learning Commons has been a popular success and continues to receive positive feedback from faculty and students.
”It’s great that The Writing Centre is available in the library,” says visiting student Kingkan Tanatipanond, who is taking a summer course in English. “If I have a problem, I can find someone to help me. All three tutors I’ve used have different skills and I’ve learned a lot from their examples.”
“The interaction between the graduate students and a community sense that is created through the Learning Commons workshops are priceless,” writes one graduate student on a feedback form. “It takes us out of our isolation . . . to analyze and reflect on our work.”
Average monthly usage statistics show how busy this learning hub is. Each month the Computer Help Desk averages 642 inquiries; Library Technical Help fields 1,129 questions; Physics Help tutors 55 students; Chemistry Help, 170 students; Math and Statistics Help 774 students; the Writing Centre has 569 appointments; and Research and Library Help answers 1,953 reference questions.
But numbers don’t tell the full story. Learning Help run by UVic Counselling Services assists students in the development and practice of efficient study techniques, effective learning methods and high-level thinking skills. They also offer courses designed to assist students new to university, helping them adapt and thrive. And when student life goes “sideways,” peer helpers, trained in listening and counseling skills, have space in the Learning Commons to provide comfortable, private, confidential and safe spaces for students who need someone to talk to.
The Mearns Centre Learning Commons is named in honour of Dr. Che Woo Lui, chairman of the K. Wah Group of construction companies and hotels in Hong Kong. Lui donated $1 million to the library expansion project in 2001.
More info: http://learningcommons.uvic.ca/
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