Centers for Independent Learning
College of DuPage

(630) 942-2294
e-mail
steward@cod.edu

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> Skills Development

Locations
- Bloomingdale
- Glen Ellyn
- Naperville
- Westmont

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Skills Development Courses
Skills Development courses are for anyone interested in improving or upgrading their skills for college-level work. Courses in basic reading, English, math and study skills are available in a variety of learning formats at the four Centers for Independent Learning (CILs).

In addition to serving current students, the Skills Development program attracts prospective students who have a desire to attend college, but have not been in a formal learning environment since high school. These students would benefit from a review in any one of the above-mentioned areas. Also, DuPage residents who are anticipating job changes or job advancements might need work on writing skills, math or critical reading skills to enhance their abilities.

Students directly out of high school with a strong desire to succeed in college often take study skills or other developmental courses to ensure a good introduction to college-level demands. Below are offerings in the Skills Development program that is offered through the CILs.

Study Skills Seminar
The Study Skills Seminar is a two-day seminar designed to help students improve their study strategies. Students learn about time management and concentration techniques, taking and using notes, understanding personal learning styles, test-taking techniques, and increasing reading and study efficiency. An assignment between the two seminar days allows students to apply what they are learning to actual content-area work. The seminar is offered three times a year – in fall, spring and summer. Contact the Center for Independent Learning in Glen Ellyn at (630) 942-2186 for more information.

Individualized, Appointment-Based Courses
Skills courses are offered in an individualized appointment-based course format through the Centers for Independent Learning (CILs). Students meet with an instructor once a week and follow a syllabus to guide instruction. The instructor acts as a facilitator of instruction, and the student does study work at home or in one of the CILs using a wide variety of print material, computer-delivered programs or audio/video presentations. One-credit, two-credit, three-credit and four-credit courses are available:
English 0481, Approaches to College Reading I, 4 credits
English 0482, Approaches to College Reading II, 4 credits
English 0491, Approaches to College Writing I, 4 credits
English 0492, Approaches to College Writing II, 4 credits
Communications 0414, Spelling I: Regular Patterns, 1 credit
Communications 0415, Spelling II: Irregular Patterns and Words Often Confused, 1 credit
Communications 0431, Effective Sentences, 1 credit
Reading 0418, Basic Reading I, 2 credits
Reading 0419, Basic Reading II, 2 credits
Reading 0461, Vocabulary: Context and Word Structure, 1 credit
Reading 0471, Study Skills, 1 credit

Courses are listed in the Class Schedule under English, Communications and Reading.
Contact the centers for other skills courses not listed in the Class Schedule.

Study Skills Classroom Course
For those who would rather learn study techniques in a classroom setting, the Skills Development program offers a classroom course every term. The course focuses on developing a variety of study techniques utilizing the student’s current textbook material. Course days and times are listed in the college Class Schedule under READING. This course is listed as Reading 0471 as a 1-credit course.

Reading Requirement Courses
Students required to take a reading course to fulfill the college’s Reading Competency Requirement may do so by taking English 0481 or 0482 in an individualized learning format. Offered at all four CILs, these courses are delivered in the appointment-based format where a student meets weekly with an instructor and is guided through the syllabus. Through homework assignments and one-on-one meetings with the instructor, students learn how to find main ideas and supporting details in what they read and to develop higher level critical reading skills of college-level texts to prepare for the Reading Exit Competency Exam.

Students with Learning Disabilities
Students can take basic reading, English, math and/or study skills with an instructor who is specifically trained to help students with learning disabilities. Emphasis is placed on helping students acquire the study strategies that are necessary to survive in their college-level courses. Students wanting individualized assistance to work on their basic skills from a trained L.D. instructor may do so by enrolling in a skills course in one of the CILs.

For more information, call (630) 942-2186.