A qualitative case study in 15 community colleges across the country found that learning assistance centers and specialized skills labs are an important means of increasing students’ academic preparedness for postsecondary study. Since these facilities provide instruction or support in reading, writing, and math skills, it appears that they play a valuable remedial role. Most of the assistance occurs in the form of tutoring and computer-assisted instruction, and some of the centers also provide specialized learning workshops and self-paced remedial courses.
The majority of colleges have several learning centers and labs, and duplication of services may explain the lower than expected demand for assistance services seen in some of the sites. However, the institutions consider the learning centers to be effective, and report positive outcomes including retention in college English and increase in GPA. Because, in some cases, recipients of learning assistance services display severe learning difficulties, tutors may benefit from professional development in instructional strategies for special-needs students.
It is recommended that future research compare the effectiveness of learning assistance services and developmental education courses in boosting students’ basic academic skills.
This article was published in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice, vol. 28.
