Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC)
The Gaston College Learning Center (GCLC), established in 1996, is designed to provide students with opportunities for academic and personal growth. The center is committed to the philosophy that given adequate services, support, time, and appropriate teaching strategies, all students can successfully accomplish their academic goals, whether that goal includes transfer to a four-year institution or the successful completion of a single course.
GCLC services are available to a diverse constituency. The program places primary emphasis on serving the needs of students “at risk” in the college environment. The GCLC actively provides support to all students in achieving their potential. Additionally, faculty members may use the academic support services to supplement their classroom instruction by referring students to the GCLC.
This service to the faculty also includes consultation on students’ needs, supplementary educational materials, and additional academic support services.
The Learning Center’s primary function is to provide academic support services to the general student population which includes the following:
- Peer-Tutoring Services: This program provides tutorial services in selected general education courses for all students by appointment or walk-in basis. All tutors undergo initial training and meet regularly for planning, evaluation, and skills development. Tutoring services are available for students having difficulty in passing a course and for students wanting to improve.
- Help for under-prepared students: Under-prepared students who arrive at Gaston College need special assistance during their first few semesters on campus and beyond. Through the Learning Center, these under-prepared students are provided with support, special attention, and academic tutoring.
Peer Tutoring Program
The Gaston College Peer Tutoring Program is a part of the larger academic support service called the Gaston College Learning Center. The program is staffed by paid and volunteer tutors who have A’s in the courses they tutor, and who are recommended by their instructor or the chair of the department in which the course is taught. Tutors are carefully interviewed by the Learning Center Coordinator and undergo an initial training period. They also meet regularly with other tutors and staff members for planning, evaluation, and skills development. Careful records are maintained on all tutoring sessions. In addition to being knowledgeable and well-trained, tutors are also chosen for their sensitivity toward students and for their interest in teaching.
Students who are not satisfied with their understanding or performance in a course may use this free service. Help is available in the area of understanding concepts, problem-solving, and study skills. Tutoring services are available not only for the student who is having difficulty in passing a course, but also for those students who want to improve.
Peer tutoring services offer several options for students to increase understanding of course content and to improve performance. If a tutor is not available for a particular course, the tutor coordinator will make every effort to obtain one if the demand is sufficient. General tutoring is available on an appointment or walk-in basis in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
The Lincoln Campus also houses a Learning Center in Room 206, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday.
Gaston College Writing Center
The Gaston College Writing Center exists to help students pursue their educational goals and develop into intellectually mature persons, competent writers, and lifelong learners. With a staff of professional writing coaches, all of whom have at least a Bachelors of Arts in English, the Writing Center provides students in all degree and diploma programs with writing help and support.
The Dallas Campus location is in room 236 of the Robinson Classroom Building (RCB). The Writing Center’s hours of operation are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday.
The Lincoln Campus location is in room 202 of the Main Lincoln Campus Building. The hours of operation at the Lincoln Campus are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Kimbrell Campus location is in room 213 of the Kimbrell Classroom Building. The Writing Center’s hours vary each semester.
The following services are provided at all locations:
One-on-One: Students can schedule appointments for coaching during regular Writing Center hours and receive assistance on one particular assignment. There is no commitment to work with a coach on a weekly basis and students can drop-in several times a semester.
Regularly Scheduled Tutoring: Students can request regular writing coaching on a weekly basis. Faculty may refer students for regular tutoring. In this setting, the student will work directly with a coach on writing assignments and building basic writing skills. Most likely, students working with a coach one-on-one will commit to at least one to three hours per week for tutoring.
Small Group Tutoring: Students with similar assignments may be assigned to one coach to work in a small group setting. In this type of tutoring, students will collaborate with each other and with the coach, who serves as a guide through the writing process.
Ask a Question - Facebook: Via Facebook, students can ask a grammar, citation or general writing question and then check back for answers as the page is updated daily.
Synchronous Online Tutoring: Students can schedule an appointment to meet virtually and collaborate with one of our coaches in real time. To make an appointment, students can call or e-mail the Center and schedule a time to meet online. The student will provide his or her preferred e-mail address and will e-mail an electronic copy of his or her essay or writing assignment to writingcenter@gaston.edu. A writing coach will send a chat invitation to the student’s e-mail address, asking the student to join him or her in Blackboard Collaborate, a free online tool for collaboration in real time.
Oral Communications Lab: The Writing Center also offers an Oral Communications Lab to provide students personalized consultation and instruction on oral class assignments at any stage of development. A tutor can help with oral presentations, such as public speaking, group presentations, debates, and panel discussions. We also offer one-on-one tutoring in interviewing skills, oral exams, and readings. We provide guidance on topic selection, organization, audience analysis, research, oral citation of sources, visual element design, speech apprehension, and speech and interview rehearsal with video feedback.
For more information about the Gaston College Writing Center, call 704.922.2369 or send an e-mail writingcenter@gaston.edu.
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