1. Learning Strategies Courses: 2 Approaches
Darla Benton Kearney
Learning Strategist
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

2. Agenda Introduction PLA ALS Through the Hoop Best Tips Questions
Hoops and Solutions
ALS
Through the Hoop
Best Tips
Questions

4. Introduction
Will discuss the hoops involved in creating and delivering learning strategies courses
Assuming you all have course content.
Will give course outlines and learning plans for each course at the end of the workshop to give you some more specific details on each course.

5. Prior Learning Assessment Course
Introduction
Wanted to give credits to students who had already spent time working with a Learning Strategist.
Wanted a flexible option for students to receive a General Education Credit.
Wanted to give fair and equal access to a General Education Credit for all students with disabilities that see a Learning Strategist.

6. Prior Learning Assessment Course
Hoop 1
Program Area
Needed to ensure Associate Dean of General Education was on board.
Solution
Met with Associate Dean and provided numbers of students registered with Disability Services who were currently working with a Learning Strategist (LS)
Discussed the benefit of gaining a credit for learning strategies work

7. Prior Learning Assessment Course
Hoop 2
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Model
Offering a PLA course that does not actually exist as a current course.
Solution
Met with PLA office and discussed course. Determined that course could be given a course code specifically for a PLA
At that time did not specify a course equivalent
We would later add the Alternative Learning Strategies course as an equivalent course.

8. Prior Learning Assessment Course
Hoop 3
Course Structure to Meet PLA Requirements
Needed to be under a PLA theme
In this case Personal Understanding
Students needed to demonstrate personal understanding
Solution
Series of reflective assignments to be completed with portfolio

9. Prior Learning Assessment Course

10. Prior Learning Assessment Course
Results
Students more likely to keep and reflect on their learning strategies
Improves motivation and attendance
Not many students have started the PLA
Have a small number of students hoping to start and complete this summer.
Recommendation that it continues in pilot status.

11. Alternative Learning Strategies Course
Introduction
Wanted students to be able to access an LS earlier in the semester.
Wanted students who did not want to register with DS to have access to an LS.
Wanted increased instructional time for each student with an LD.
Wanted to focus on broader LD issues and needed time to do so.

12. Alternative Learning Strategies Course
Hoop 1
Delivery
Through General Arts and Science (GAS)
Special Authorization into the course
Solution
Decided to deliver through GAS as high proportion of students with LD
Discussed numbers and needs with Associate Dean
Banded course with GAS optional course
Discussed registration process with Coordinator and determined that Coordinator would special authorize students who were referred to take the course

13. Alternative Learning Strategies Course
Hoop 2
Payment
Development
Delivery
Solution
Academic area paid for development
Service area (DS) pays for delivery
As I am teaching students who would have come to see me individually

14. Alternative Learning Strategies Course
Hoop 3
Academic/Service Area Integration
Expectations of each area
Expectations of each person
Communication cycle
Solution
Still working on this one…
Clarify expectations
Set timelines and provide reminders
Identify the differences in timelines between academic and services areas early

15. Alternative Learning Strategies Course

16. Alternative Learning Strategies Course
Results
Student benefits
Improved self-advocacy skills
Pleased to have a credit towards their diploma
Academic area benefits
Variety of other programs trying to have the course delivered to meet the needs of their students
Great deal of support from faculty
Good example of UDI principles in practice
Service area benefits
More efficient use of LS time
Dramatically increased instruction time

17. Through the Hoops

18. Best Tips
For anyone wishing to set up courses around learning strategies, here is a heads up:
Get Deans and Coordinators on board early
Develop a plan/process for communication
Discuss expectations of each area up front
Develop a suitable timeline for the service area and academic program
Promote course early
If funding is available at your college to research the students accessing the course, take it. (Duh!)

19. Questions
Is there anything that I have not covered that you would like to discuss?
For those of you who have started courses similar to this one, how have they been going?