Learning and Teaching Center (Old)

Located on the second floor of Willis, the Learning and Teaching Center is a resource for students and teachers interested in continuing to explore what it means to learn and to teach. Throughout the year we create spaces for both students and faculty to discuss issues about learning with each other. These may include topics such as group dynamics, class discussion skills, and dealing with difference, as well as personalized ways of understanding learning and teaching styles.

As its name suggests, the emphasis of the LTC is to put learning first by disseminating information about how students learn, and by hosting conversations about learning with both students and faculty. Our aim is to help individuals and groups become reflective about learning and teaching and how to better communicate about what works and what does not.

Disability Services for Students

Learning: Styles and Stages

The Learning and Teaching Center has an abundance of literature regarding learning and how understanding the process of learning can help you in academic work. Learning style, as we use it, refers to individual preferences and assumptions about how to take in information. Embedded within
this notion are different dimensions, such as mode of taking in knowledge (visual, auditory, experimental, etc.), level of self-directedness, and attitudes about the role of a teacher, among other things. Learning stages refers to changes in attitudes and assumptions about the nature of knowledge and the purposes of learning as they may change for an individual over time. Students are welcome to visit the LTC library in Willis 207.

Student Observer Program

The Student Observer Program, which has been availible at Carleton since the 1970's, is a cornerstone of LTC activities. Primarily a resource for the professors, it also serves as a very practical, experimental, and paid means for students to reflect about teaching, classroom interaction, and learning.

Professors request an observer for a particular course. A student is assigned to attend that professor's class and provide feedback on areas in which the teacher wishes more information. Professors often ask observers to provide feedback regarding student-teacher interaction such as how long he or she waits for a response after asking a question or whether or not questions seem to be inviting open responses. Both lecture and discussion classes can be observed for clarity of presentation and levels of energy and enthusiasm in both students and teacher.

If you are interested in participating in the student observer program, contact the LTC for an application.

Other Campus Resources for Students

Disability Services for Students: Policies, Procedures, and Resources

The College Writing Program--Information about the Sophomore Writing Portfolio

The Modern Language Center (MLC)
The Academic Development and Support Center
Multicultural Affairs
Office of the Dean of Students - Essential Information for Students