By Prof. Emeritus Hussein D. Emin (pictured)
and Bob D’Anna, ELC
Nassau Community College
Special to Campus News
Student populations across the nation are more diverse than ever. They bring to campuses varying degrees of academic preparation and abilities. In order to assist them in succeeding in their academic studies, institutions are increasing the type of student services they provide. One such program are tutorial services.
Nassau Community College (NCC) – SUNY, is no exception to the trend. It has historically always provided funding for student services, and in particular, tutorial assistance. The Accounting and Business Administration Department began offering these services in the 1960’s. The services have evolved over the years from a small room, to a large, separate, triple classroom facility with desks, tables, 15 computers, books and a staff of full-time and part-time tutors. The room has a flat-screen TV mounted outside of its entrance, connected to cable business channels, where students can view real live examples of what is being discussed in their classes. The facility has been praised for its student access and operation. Recently, Middle States during its re-accreditation process, cited the facility as the “Jewel of the Department.”
The role of the departments tutorial services is to supplement/support the efforts of classroom faculty. Tutors answer student questions, clarify difficult concepts, attempt to relate the subject material to practical situations (when possible), and encourage students to “stick-with-it” by attending the lab when needed. These services are provided on a one-to-one basis and at no cost to students.
The activities in the lab have evolved over the past decade. More faculty have reduced the use of “objective short answer” type questions, i.e., multiple choice, T/F, etc., in favor of case studies, research projects, periodical assignments, team assignments, oral presentations, etc. Writing assignments have increased in almost all courses. As a result, students enter the lab not only with technical questions, but, with questions involving critical and creative thinking, working in teams, oral presentations, writing reports and researching Accounting and Business topics.
Another important function of the staff is to encourage, motivate and attract those students in need of assistance to actively attend the lab. The department does so through the following activities:
1. On each departmental course outline there is a paragraph explaining the nature, role, location and hours of the lab.
2. On the first/second day of classes, the coordinator of the lab visits each on-campus Accounting and Business class for a short five-minute presentation about the lab, discussing the items noted in number 1. A similar announcement is made to remote learning classes.
3. Faculty are requested, especially after their first exam/assignment, to recommend students use the lab.
4. During the early part of the semester, the faculty take their Accounting and Business classes to visit the lab and show them how the center operates.
5. Scholarships are available at the end of the semester for students who started poorly in their Accounting or Business classes and through the use of the lab completed, completed their classes with significant improvements (see the Emin Learning Center Scholarship Program below).
Shortly after his retirement in 2013, Professor Emeritus, Hussein D. Emin, a 35-year member of the full-time faculty and former department chair, wanted to provide an incentive for poor performing students “to never give up” and seek assistance when needed. As a result, he provided financial support for the establishment of a scholarship program to do so. In recognition of his efforts, the lab was renamed by the College Administration the “Emin Learning Center” (ELC). A plaque was placed at the entrance to the ELC recognizing his efforts. The updated entrance to the ELC and interior modernizations with desks, tables and computers now provides an attractive learning environment for students to seek assistance. Applications for the Scholarship Program are distributed to students once they enter the ELC.
Institutions of higher learning, especially community college, need to constantly ensure that students have the appropriate resources to enhance their academic success. One such valuable resource, is the tutorial learning center. These centers/labs (the word center has a broad based connotation, whereas, lab seems to denote a narrow focus; center seems to be the better term) provide valuable assistance, guidance and information for students that will enhance their ability to succeed academically and in the workplace. Hopefully, this article provides insight into one such program.
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