New Learning Support Will Provide CTC Students with 1-on-1 Instruction

(Media Release) Chattahoochee Technical College will become the first technical college in Georgia to implement all three areas of a new learning support redesign this fall. The three courses areas, which have traditionally offered extra instruction in such areas as math, reading and English, will now be offered through a new computerized modular format at each of the college's eight campuses.

"Students will be able to move at their own pace through the classes they need," said Chattahoochee Technical College Dean of Arts and Sciences Brenda White. "They will still be receiving quality instruction, but the flexibility of the new design allows for a more individualized experience whether a student is looking for a refresher or really needs that extra instruction to prepare for some of the more advanced classes."

Learning support class requirements are determined by placement testing as a part of the admissions process. A computerized test, students' college readiness is determined in the subject areas of reading, writing/grammar, and mathematics/algebra. An average of 30 percent of students take learning support classes each semester.

The changes will be fully in effect at the beginning of Fall Semester when classes start August 17. Rather than signing up for one of three levels of classes under the traditional curriculum, students will register for a single learning support class in the subject (s) they need. Once there, the students will have the opportunity to skip modules they can demonstrate mastery of through pretests. It should cut down on the amount of time spent in learning support classes before beginning program specific courses, explained White.

"Previously, a student who needed all three learning support classes under one of the subjects would enroll for three terms before he or she could take credit courses toward their diploma or degree," she said. "That's at least a year to 18 months before he or she could start working on courses in that area that would count toward a program of study. Under this new sequence the progression will be much quicker for students who work at it."

As a part of the change, the role of the instructor in these classes has also been redefined. Rather than using a traditional lecture model where an instructor broadcasts information to the students as a group, the modular model will facilitate more one-on-one learning. Instructors, as well as lab assistants, will be present in each class with the access to monitor students' progress. Students will be able to ask for additional help and instruction from faculty while they complete the exercises and videos as a part of each module.

Planning for these changes has been ongoing for several months with the goal of implementing the changes this fall. Prospective students are already being advised on the new changes as they apply admissions and complete their placement testing before the upcoming July 27 deadline. While registration is still ongoing until classes start, White said the college is ready with dedicated computer lab classrooms on each campus, as well as three such rooms on the Marietta and North Metro campuses.

For more information on admissions and programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.