Institute/Session Summary:

A number of the student staff at the Learning Assistance Center work as both SI leaders and tutors. In an effort to save time and develop a more interesting training program, the coordinators of both programs began collaborating to improve and streamline their training curricula, focusing on a core set of shared skills and knowledge both SI leaders and tutors must have to work effectively with students in either program. Program-specific sessions then focus on distinct ways in which these elements are applied in SI and tutoring settings.

The coordinators’ collaboration has strengthened the quality and effectiveness of training. Collaboration has also allowed for more dynamic training sessions that keep the attention of student staff while conveying important information.

The main focus of this session will be sharing ideas for effective inter-program training. The session will conclude with small group break-out sessions and a discussion of best practices so everyone will go home with new tools and approaches. The presenters will provide handouts and materials used in their training such as game-show PowerPoint’s and other dynamic activities.

Outline:

1. Brief overview of programs at the Learning Assistance Center
   a. Supplemental Instruction formats

   i. Enrollment-based classes
   ii. Weekly groups

b. Tutoring formats

i. Drop-in sessions
ii. Individual appointments

2. Presentation of shared approaches
   a. Purpose of collaboration

b. Common components of training curriculum

i. LAC and specific Program orientation
ii. Methods for incorporating study skills
iii.Developing and using active listening / questioning techniques
iv. Subject-specific discussions
v. Working with challenging students/situations

3. Snapshot of a shared training approach

4. Discussion: How can you use this?

   i. How do/could you collaborate in your centers now?
   ii. Resources and materials you might explore

Presenter1 Name: Vanessa Najpauer
Presenter1 Institution: California State University - Long Beach
Presenter1 Bio: Vanessa Najpauer is the Associate Coordinator of tutorial services for the Learning Assistance Center at California State University, Long Beach. She works daily with a staff of roughly 70 tutors, and is responsible for their supervision and training. She holds a Master's degree in Sport Management, with her focus in student-athlete development.

Presenter2 Name: Jennifer Barber
Presenter2 Institution: California State University - Long Beach
Presenter2 Bio: Jennifer Barber is the Assistant Coordinator of Tutorial Services at California State University Long Beach.   She monitors the drop-in tutoring program and trains tutoring staff at the Learning Assistance Center.  She holds a BA in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Spanish and is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Linguistics-Language and Culture.

Presenter3 Name: Deborah Hann
Presenter3 Institution: California State University - Long Beach
Presenter3 Bio: Deborah Hann is the Associate Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction at California State University, Long Beach, where she recruits, trains, assigns, and supervises approximately 20 SI Leaders each semester.  Prior to holding this position, she was an SI Leader for three years and the Assistant to the Coordinator for two years.