Alan Brooks
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Latest Articles
Designing Early-Alert Systems That Actually Help At-Risk Students
Reading Time: 7 minutesColleges and universities have been investing in early-alert systems for more than a decade, hoping to identify at-risk students before they fail or drop out. Yet many of these systems generate more noise than impact: too many alerts, too little context, and no clear path to effective support. The result is frustration for faculty, “alert […]
Assessing the Impact of Your Learning Support Programs
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 […]
Creating a Scalable Academic Support Model for First-Year Students
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, […]
Easy Note-Taking Tips That Actually Help
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 […]
Which Citation Style to Teach First-Year Students?
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 […]
Student Success and Retention Strategies Library
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 […]
Understanding Student Retention in Education
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 […]