Reading Time: 14 minutesReprinted from the Journal of Developmental Education, Volume 21, Issue 3, Spring, 1998. Abstract: The results of a national study suggest how technology can improve education for developmental students. Currently, much of college teaching is dominated by an ancient paradigm typified by the lecture method. Similarly, much of today’s technology presents information to students and reinforces […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesIntroduction Learning support programs are essential for helping students overcome academic, social, and emotional challenges. But how do we know these programs are actually working? Assessment is key. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of evaluating your support programs, what to measure, and how to use that data to make lasting improvements. What Are […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesIntroduction Every classroom has students who struggle—academically, emotionally, or socially. While major interventions are important, sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. Micro-motivationsare brief, purposeful actions or words that give students the extra push they need to keep going. In this article, we explore how to use these simple tools to build confidence, boost […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesDiscover how using growth mindset language can transform your teaching approach and empower students to embrace learning challenges with confidence. What Is a Growth Mindset? A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning. This concept, pioneered by psychologist Carol Dweck, contrasts with a fixed mindset, […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe first year of college is a make-or-break period for many students — especially those who enter with academic preparation gaps. While many institutions offer academic support, too often these services are limited in reach, reliant on individual staff energy, or disconnected from academic programming. In this article, we explore how to design a scalable, […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesStudents who enter college with gaps in their academic preparation often struggle not only with content but with confidence. When students don’t believe they’re capable of success, they’re less likely to engage, persist, or seek help. This article offers practical strategies — grounded in theory and experience — to help educators, tutors, and program leaders […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesFeedback doesn’t have to be dry or overly formal. By adding emojis and symbols to your comments, you can make feedback more engaging, expressive, and effective — whether you’re working with students, coworkers, or peers online. Why Use Emojis in Feedback? Visual reinforcement: Emojis help emphasize key points and highlight important feedback. A simple ✅ […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesYour smartphone isn’t just a distraction — it can become your most powerful learning tool. With the right apps, settings, and habits, you can turn your phone into a mobile study assistant that helps you stay focused and organized. Why Use Your Phone for Studying? We carry our phones everywhere — so why not use […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPreparing for tests can often feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset, techniques, and routine, it is possible to approach exams with calm and confidence. This guide will show you how. Understanding the Nature of Stress Stress is a natural reaction, but it can either motivate or paralyze. Good stress pushes you to perform. Bad […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesMistakes are not just inevitable in learning — they are essential. As educators, the way we respond when a student makes a mistake can deeply influence their confidence, motivation, and overall learning journey. The Role of Mistakes in Learning Mistakes provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, rethink, and grow. However, many students fear making them […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesTraditional grades can sometimes hinder rather than help student learning. They often increase anxiety, discourage experimentation, and may not reflect a student’s true understanding. An effective alternative is low-stakes assessment — a powerful strategy for monitoring progress without the pressure of grades. 1. What Is Low-Stakes Assessment? Low-stakes assessments are tasks that carry little or […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesIn today’s world full of digital noise, staying focused while studying can be a real challenge. Notifications, fatigue, and endless distractions make it hard to concentrate. But the good news is — there are simple, science-backed strategies that can help. Below are 7 effective ways to improve your concentration and get more out of your […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesGiving effective feedback doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. In fact, the best feedback is often simple, structured, and immediate. Below are 7 methods you can start using today to foster better communication and team growth. 1. Start – Stop – Continue This structured approach prompts reflection and action. Ask the person: What should […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesTaking notes isn’t just about writing things down — it’s about learning how to think, organize, and remember. Whether you’re a college student, a lifelong learner, or simply someone who wants to retain information better, effective note-taking can completely transform the way you study. In this guide, you’ll discover practical, science-backed tips to take notes […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s Sunday night, and you suddenly remember a paper that’s due tomorrow. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. The truth is, staying on top of deadlines isn’t about being perfect — it’s about having a simple weekly plan that works. In this article, you’ll learn easy, realistic steps to plan your week so you can […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesWe’ve all seen it — a student works hard, gets feedback, and suddenly looks discouraged. Feedback can be a powerful tool for learning and motivation, but only if it’s done right. In this article, we’ll look at how to give feedback that builds confidence instead of hurting motivation. 1. Understand What Good Feedback Really Is […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesSometimes teachers finish a lesson thinking, “That went well!” — only to find out later that students didn’t really understand the key idea. Checking for understanding during or right after the lesson helps identify confusion early and makes learning more effective. In this post, we’ll explore simple, quick, and low-stress ways to see if your […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesAccording to the International Center for Supplemental Instruction, SI is “an academic assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills in phd dissertation while working […]

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen it comes to teaching academic writing in the first year of college, few topics seem as technical — or as intimidating — as citation styles. For many students just entering higher education, the rules of referencing feel foreign, rigid, and sometimes arbitrary. And for instructors and tutors in developmental education, the challenge lies in […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesIntroduction: In the realm of education, one critical aspect that can make or break a student’s journey is motivation. It is the driving force behind learning and achieving academic success. As we delve into the topic of “Psychological Foundations of Student Motivation,” we’ll uncover the profound impact it has on students’ lives. What’s more, we’ll […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesDevelopmental Education The National Center for Developmental Education describes the field of developmental education as supporting “the academic and personal growth of under-prepared college students through instruction, counseling, advising, and tutoring. The clients of developmental education programs are traditional and nontraditional students who have been assessed as needing to develop their skills in order to […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesPeer Tutoring The Association for the Tutoring Profession has adopted the following Code of Ethics which are widely accepted within professional tutoring organizations: Best Interest: Tutors will be committed to acting in the best interest of tutees as specified by the employing organization or institute. Responsibility: Tutors will take responsibility for their own behavior and […]

Reading Time: 7 minutesNarrative essays are a popular form of writing that allows you to share a personal experience or tell a story in a creative and engaging way. Whether you’re writing for school, work, or just for fun, a well-written narrative essay can captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression. In this guide, we’ll break down […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteStudent Success and Retention Strategies Library A curated hub of research-backed resources on student retention, peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, motivation, and developmental education. Explore practical guides, PDFs, and overviews designed to help instructors improve persistence, engagement, and learning outcomes. Retention & Persistence: evidence-based frameworks and first-year success insights Peer & Supplemental Instruction: definitions, models, and […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesStudent retention has become one of the most important indicators of educational success. It reflects how well schools, colleges, and universities can keep students enrolled and engaged until they complete their programs. Retention is not only a measure of academic quality but also a signal of institutional health, student satisfaction, and long-term societal benefits. This […]