In the past, the Department of Learning Foundations offered a schedule of various study skill workshops each semester.  However, since 2004, Learning Foundations offers one-on-one instruction to those USM students requesting this service.

Study Skill Topics:   It is commonplace for USM students to request either instruction or information in the following areas:

Time Management
Avoiding Procrastination
Reading College Textbooks
Listening and Note-Taking
Test Preparation Strategies
Test-Taking Strategies
Math Study Skills
Writing Strategies
Coping skills for standard academic Stress/Anxiety

RESOURCES:

FRS 180:  Students who think they may benefit from in-depth, organized instruction of study skills should consider electing our course called FRS 180:  Academic Self-Management.  FRS 180 was co-developed and co-designed by Learning Foundations and USM Counseling Services.  This graded, 3-credit course is designed for students who want to engage in the self-management of control factors involved in the general academic learning process.  This course must be taken concurrently with at least one other college course in order to provide a practice field for the strategy options.  In addition to all the topics listed above, FRS 180 also addresses the  topics of Self-Efficacy/Positive Self-Talk, Motivation, Learning Style, How the Brain Learns, Strategies for Memory Improvement, Emotional Intelligence, Connecting with Faculty, Setting/Keeping Realistic Goals and Controlling your Social/Physical Environment.  A  sample syllabus may be obtained from the Director of Learning Foundations, Elaine Wright, at 207-780-4691 or at  ewright@usm.maine.edu

Tutors:  Almost all USM Learning Center tutors are capable of providing individual tutorials in the area of study skills.  This is part of their tutor training program.  Generally speaking, we encourage students to sign up with math tutors for math study skills and with writing tutors for all other topics.  Students may also contact Elaine Wright (780-4691 or   ewright@usm.maine.edu) for an appointment.

Materials/Handouts:  All three Learning Center locations have appropriate study skill handouts.  In the Portland Center, a large collection of study skill texts are available for loan.  Both Portland and Gorham have the developmental math CD’s and computer access.