© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SMART University Designing training for a Multi-service Multi-model Academic support center

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Academic Support at University of Minnesota SMART Learning Commons offers two academic assistance services: Peer-assisted Learning Tutoring Based on best practices of :CRLA Certified center  Emerging Scholars Program  Supplemental Instruction  Peer-led Team Learning

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Five Layers of Training/Support: 1.Formal training - before classes begin 2.Semester course: taught by Dr. David Arendale “Exploring Facilitated Peer learning Groups” 3. Buddy system 4.Weekly team meetings 5.Bi-weekly training – tutors: on-line and live

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. A description of Dr. Arendale’s course: 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.

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The Challenge: To design a training program that addresses: Multiple models Lack of coordination Multiple servicesLimited resources Multiple rolesLack of socialization

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Our Objective: to design a training scheme that:  is scalable  is reusable  efficiently uses limited resources  can be customized

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. SMART Learning Commons Training Curricula:

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. 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

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. 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.

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Course Description

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. 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

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

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

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

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

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. 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?

© 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. A workable Excel spreadsheet can be found at: Click on Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL)