University Star

Students at Texas State should participate more in study groups and use tutoring facilities to attain better GPAs and improve study habits.

Many students do not take advantage of all the opportunities provided by Texas State to succeed in college. Services like the Student Learning Assistance Center offer a wide variety of academic support programs such as walk-in tutoring labs, supplemental instruction and exceptional online resources. SLAC receives funding from student service fees—Texas State students do not have to pay any extra money up front when they access the resources.

Along with SLAC, many professors encourage students to participate in study groups in accordance with their classes. With all of the services available on campus, there is no reason why students should not take advantage of every opportunity.

College students can benefit from study groups in many ways. According to a Nov. 7, 2010 article on OnlineCollege.org, students are more inclined to remember material when they associate with peers who also strive to succeed in class. Not to mention, they’ll gain friendships from those interactions.

According to the same article, study groups are beneficial because students have the opportunity to share and compare notes. If a student did not understand or hear what the professor said during a lecture, someone else likely wrote the notes down and could help fill in the missing information. This way, students have a unique chance to teach each other.

Alkek Library is one of the best places on campus to study. Many students desire a quiet environment when studying for exams or working on homework. The library is the ideal place to avoid distractions and be able to fully concentrate without interruptions. Study areas are located conveniently on each floor, and there are even individual study rooms and group study rooms located on floors five, six and seven. In addition to the study areas, floors five and six are the designated quiet floors. Every student learns in a different way, and the Alkek Library provides an extensive variety of study environments to accommodate student needs.

SLAC is located on the fourth floor of Alkek. Tutors are provided with expertise in areas students may need help in. They are friendly and willing to help. For students who need additional assistance, private tutoring is also available. Online writing labs are accessible for students along with Supplemental Instruction study sessions. SI is a form of tutoring that allows students to focus on collaboration, group study and interaction.

According to SLAC statistics, there were 11,399 lab visits during the past spring semester with sophomores and juniors comprising 62 percent of the student lab visitation numbers. With all of the resources and help SLAC is willing to offer, even more students should be able to start improving their grades and study habits through the services.

With midterms right around the corner at Texas State, it is absolutely crucial students develop a solid studying pattern and utilize every opportunity presented to them. Although it may seem like an extra step, participating in study groups and using SLAC are easy ways for students to advance study skills and improve GPAs.