Article 15:
LASSI as a Study Skills Assessment Tool for
Tutoring and Mentoring
by Karey A. Pharris
Pikes Peak Community College

We first began to use LASSI in January 2006 to evaluate and assist students with their study skills needs. We believed that many students were not being successful in their coursework, not because of the material, but because of a deficit in study skills. LASSI results confirmed this. We initiated a math study skills course designed exclusively for students in the SSS program. The course covered concepts such as time management, test taking skills, how to read a textbook, managing anxiety, memory skills, learning styles and note taking with an emphasis on applying these skills to math courses, but with general application as well. We also offered individual counseling sessions on study skills to assist students in customizing the tools they needed to be successful.

We were unfortunately not able to continue offering the free study skills course, but continue to use LASSI to help students on an individual basis via individual counseling sessions on study skills. Students take the LASSI and then meet with an SSS advisor to score and discuss the results. Students who need help with study skills then meet with the Learning Services Coordinator to plan and discuss specific tools that might be utilized to improve their skills. The LSC will engage with the students in follow up sessions to ascertain how the skills are being applied and if additional tools are needed.

We now also use LASSI as a tool to provide assigned tutors and mentors with additional information to customize their sessions with students. Our mentors focus almost exclusively on study skills, and while tutors focus on material, integrating study skills into their sessions can really make a difference in terms of student success in a course. During these sessions, students are able to further hone their study skills with the help of a mentor or tutor.

Students who have effectively applied new study skills techniques have reported improved confidence and course grades. Students are thankful for the services we provide and appreciate the opportunity to customize study skills to their needs. We will continue to use LASSI to assess and administer help to students on an individual basis.

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