Article 10:
Web LASSI Utilization
by Jacqueline Higgins, MSEd., NCC
Coordinator of Counseling/Guidance
Riverside School of Health Careers

The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) was first introduced to Riverside School of Health Careers (RSHC) during the 2007-2008 academic year; and initially utilized with the Surgical Technology (ST) Program. Although the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination is employed as an entry instrument with potential incoming ST students, the LASSI has been instituted to obtain a more comprehensive analysis of the student.

Initially, each potential student was provided with a designated appointment time to arrive at the school and take the LASSI with a counseling session immediately following. It was soon determined that it is both more accommodating for the student and for the inventory administrator to offer the inventory online. Hence, we began to order and offer the LASSI online.

Each potential student is given the online instructions on how to complete the LASSI and then asked to make an appointment with the RSHC Counselor for an in-depth interview. Within the interview process, the students' prior academic record(s), their strengths/weaknesses and the LASSI results are reviewed. The student has the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their personal beliefs regarding the ten scales on which they are inventoried. Additionally, strategies and interventions pertaining to the results of the ten LASSI scales are discussed.  Furthermore, the Counselor then makes recommendations to the Program Director(s) and to the Program Faculty members as to the needs of the incoming students, with suggested advisement/teaching/study group strategies that will assist with program and most importantly, student success.

RSHC has also started utilizing the LASSI as a tool of information in the provision of services needed and Counseling Program development. For example, if the LASSI results reflect that a large number of students can greatly improve in any given area, e.g., time management, test strategies or anxiety, then an appropriate group (time management, testing skills/strategies or stress management etc.) is instituted to assist that benefit.   

Future utilization of the LASSI at RSHC will continue with all of the above, in addition to the planned implementation of its use with the Professional Nursing Program. The LASSI will be utilized with this program, for remedial assistance to students who receive scholarships for disadvantaged students.  

The LASSI has proved to be a valid instrument of great significance at RSHC. It has been valuable as it pertains to assistance with student success, program success and remediation. Its' applicability and usage ease is of great importance to students and faculty.  Students have reported their amazement and awe at the ability of the inventory to accurately access their personal academic position via the ten scales. Faculty members have raved as to how it has allowed them to better understand the needs of their students and allow for the utilization of variable teaching strategies and techniques.

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