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Teaching and Learning Centers (TLC)

Mission Statement

Spanish and Portuguese Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) continue to expand and improve options that give undergraduate students assistance through free walk-in tutoring, hour-long instructor-guided conversation experiences in small groups of six and expert writing help. Our aim is to support and enrich the classroom experience of undergraduate students in the language program through small group conversation activities and free tutoring services.

In the mid to late 90’s the department began offering extracurricular services to enhance students’ performance at the elementary and intermediate levels. Instructors volunteered to lead conversations in local cafés and the experience was well received. When students requested more formal help with specific assignments in our annual Language Program Survey, we initiated our free tutoring services.

We have progressed from offering Spanish tutoring throughout the week at scattered hours to offering both Spanish and Portuguese services on a regular daily basis. There are now two locations for Spanish elementary and intermediate conversation groups, opportunities for Portuguese conversation, separate locations for tutoring Spanish and Portuguese and a Spanish Writing Center for Intermediate and upper level students.

Students, instructors, as well as statistical feedback have shown that these services are making a difference. One student commented "The conversation center is a terrific idea. I could not have progressed this far without it." and another "The tutors explain the material pertaining to my questions rather than just giving me the answers." We welcome feedback from students whose suggestions often lead to changes and improvements.

Please direct comments or suggestions about these services to Kathie Houchens, Coordinator of Tutor and Conversation services.