Learning Assistance

In addition to topic-based tutoring, students can increase their academic skills at the Learning Commons. These include how to effectively and efficiently:

• Read textbooks
• Take notes in the classroom
• Manage time
• Prepare for and take exams

For one-on-one consultations, students can meet with a Peer Academic Coach in Portland and Gorham.  These are USM students who have learned a variety of academic approaches, and can help a student select from a "menu" of options and practice the new strategies. To schedule a meeting with a Peer Academic Coach, please visit USM AskOnline or call (207)780-4228.  Also available is USM’s online index of learning Academic Strategies

Students can also take two courses to maximize their skills as a student:

LAC 197 Information Power Unleashed: 1 credit for graduation
This 1 credit course helps students to recognize when information is needed and how to locate, evaluate, and effectively use it.  Topics include basic computing skills, web evaluation, locating and using books, articles and other media, critical thinking, plagiarism, citation style, primary and secondary sources, Boolean searching, and basic considerations of the writing process.

LAC 180 Academic Self Management:  3 credits for graduation
This learning strategy course explores the six major control components that usually contribute to high academic achievement: motivation, methods of learning, use of time, performance factors, and relationships to both physical and social environment. Presentations and readings involving learning research and theory are interconnected to student participation, assessment, and self-monitoring activities.

Our tutors have created indexes of resources, called “LibGuides”, for math, writing, and English Speakers of Other Languages.  These contain helpful websites, worksheets, and video tutorials.

Writing:    http://usm.maine.libguides.com/writing

Math:    http://usm.maine.libguides.com/UsmMathResources

ESOL:      http://www.usm.maine.libguides.com/esol