SMART University

1. SMART University Designing training for a Multi-service Multi-model Academic support center

2. Academic Supportat University of Minnesota SMART Learning Commons offers two academic assistance services: Peer-assisted LearningTutoring Based on best practices of: CRLA Certified center Emerging Scholars Program Supplemental Instruction Peer-led Team Learning

3. Five Layers of Training/Support: Formal training - before classes begin Semester course: taught by Dr. David Arendale “Exploring Facilitated Peer learning Groups” 3. Buddy system Weekly team meetings Bi-weekly training – tutors: on-line and live

4. A description of Dr. Arendale’scourse: PSTL 3050 Exploring Facilitated Peer Learning Groups Grading basis/credits:   S-N only, 1 credit Prereq:   30 cr This course explores peer learning groups and the factors that enhance their effectiveness including: facilitating the learning process, integrating learning skill development and content knowledge acquisition, and application of appropriate theories of learning. The course is designed to connect the experience of serving as a facilitator of a peer learning group with a deeper examination of the underlying assumptions, learning theories, active learning strategies, group management protocols, and best practices in education.

5. The Challenge: To design a training program that addresses: Multiple models Lack of coordination Multiple services Limited resources Multiple roles Lack of socialization

6. Our Objective: to design a training scheme that: is scalable is reusable efficiently uses limited resources can be customized

7. SMART Learning Commons Training Curricula:

8. Step One:Identify Multiple Roles One-on-one tutors We refer to tutors as peer learning consultants (PLC) Both paid and volunteer capacity Lead PLCs PAL facilitators PAL team leaders Workshop presenters

9. Step Two:Identify Skills and Concepts For each role: What should the employee know, understand and be able to do to be successful in that role? . Group skills/concepts into modules: The more roles that a module can accommodate, the more efficient the use of resources and the more employee socialization.

10. Course Description

11. Step Three:Assign Competency Designation Why? To be mindful of the balance of topics when grouping them in a training session We used: A = Administrative P = Pedagogical B = Professional behaviors

13. Step Four:Calculate Generalizability Benefits to the learning center (lc): More efficient use of resources Promotes social interaction among lc employees in different roles More cross referrals between services, benefitting students and the lc Scalable – lc can add more learning assistance models and services

15. Step Five:Plan your own SMART University Benefits to the learning center (lc): More efficient use of resources Promotes social interaction among lc employees in different roles More cross referrals between services, benefitting students and the lc Scalable – lc can add more learning assistance models and services

16. Step Five: (cont)Plan your own SMART University Models – SI, PAL, PASS, etc. Services – tutoring, group study Roles – leaders, novice, experienced Describe courses – skills, concepts Assign competencies – admin, pedagogy, prof. behaviors Generalize – who will take the course?

17. A workable Excel spreadsheet can be found at: http://smart.umn.edu Click on Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL)