The document proposes a vision for developing academic support services at Empire State College to help students strengthen skills needed for independent, flexible, and self-directed learning through individualized study, classroom, and online learning models. It recommends implementing proactive and reactive academic skills modules that are virtual and face-to-face as well as informational and interactive, and monitoring student progress in collaboration with mentors. The goal is to assess student satisfaction and achievement as well as the use and impact of the academic support program.

1. A Vision for Skills Development
for Empire State College’s
Academic Support Services
Presented by:
Dr. Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein
November 12, 2006

2. Agenda
 Describing the Puzzle - overview of the theory and
best practices in academic support
 Sorting the Pieces - linkage to Empire States’
educational model and necessary student skills
 Fitting the Pieces Together - recommendations for
students’ skills development and support services

3. Quotations to Consider
“The particular characteristics and needs of each individual
institution drive the organization of [academic support] programs,
the format of service delivery, the overall management and operation
of the program and the methods of program evaluation.”
- Casazza, M. E. & Silverman, S. (1996). Learning Assistance and
Developmental Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
p. 71
“In addition to background, aptitude, ability to learn quickly, and
the desire to learn, students need persistence, flexibility, and a
willingness to cooperate with instructors’ demands and
institutional policies if they are to succeed in college.”
- Maxwell, M. (1997). Improving Student Learning Skills. H&H
Publishing: Clearwater, FL. p. 135
Student
Skills
Academic
Support
Services

4. Successful Academic Support Services Include…
 Proactive interventions,
 Supportive environments,
 Personalized support systems,
 Small group tutorials,
 Development of students’ basic learning skills,
 Teaching of study skills and learning strategies in the context of
academic content courses,
 Opportunities to interact in informal settings and develop personal
relationships with faculty, and
 Opportunities to experience success.
- Adapted from Maxwell and Casazza & Silverman

5. MISSION & GOALSMISSION & GOALS
STUDENTS’ SKILLS & NEEDSSTUDENTS’ SKILLS & NEEDS
PROGRAMSPROGRAMS
&&
SERVICESSERVICESSTAFFING
STAFFING&&
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
&&
EVALUATION
EVALUATION
Academic Support
Services Model...

6. Learning Models & Skills Development
 INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY
 Learning Model: Self-directed (albeit mentored and monitored), focused on areas of
interest, & life experiences
 Skills Development: Goal setting, time management, critical thinking, research skills,
information literacy, self-assessment of learning styles/strengths, and sustaining
motivation.
 CLASSROOM
 Learning Model: Traditional experience, face-to-face interaction with teacher and peers,
transmission and discovery of knowledge within a specified time and location.
 Skills Development: Traditional skills development – textbook reading, test taking,
assignments, and note-taking.
 ONLINE
 Learning Model: Virtual environment, reference materials and discussion –
asynchronous learning.
 Skills Development: Computer use, communication skills without face-to-face
interactions, maintaining focus, self-paced learning and sustaining motivation.

7. Academic Skill Development at ESC
Promoting Independent, Flexible, and Self-directed Learning
 Overriding principles of skills development
 Embedded in the context of how & when the students are
learning – not a vacuum
 Addresses a variety of learning modalities provided in a range
of formats
 Learner Self-Assessments
 Expand on existing Learning Skills Assessment
 Make interactive/dynamic with immediate feedback and links to
resources
 Provide multiple interactive webforms/information about onsite
assessments
 Links to resources accessible both electronically and in print
Continued on next slide…

8. Academic Skill Development at ESC
Promoting Independent, Flexible, and Self-directed Learning
 Academic Skills Modules
 Proactive & Reactive
 Virtual & Face-to-face
 Informational (static) & Interactive (dynamic)
 Student Progress Support
 Monitoring progress of overriding student goals
 Collaborations with mentors & students
 Assessment
 Students - satisfaction & achievement
 Program - use & impact
Continued from previous slide…