Northwest Vista College psychology professor and discipline coordinator “Dr. Don” Lucas has partnered with math professor Dr. Heidi Hunt to help students improve their learning, persevere in their classes and succeed in course and degree completion.
Dr. Don has designed an “Investigate Your Learning” Discovery Seminar to teach foundations of learning that go far beyond study skills, he says.
“Laypeople and educators alike are often into gimmicks when it comes to learning,” says Dr. Don who has been trained as a neuropsychologist. “People are more successful in mastering learning when they understand the foundations, the science and the psychology of learning. This allows individuals to discover their own learning, which is necessary for overcoming the inevitable barriers in the learning process.”
Offered through Canvas on demand, the course was originally designed to support NVC’s Community Math Grant but has since been expanded to all NVC students in the spring 2022 semester. Education majors who successfully complete the seminar will receive a $100 stipend, says Dr. Hunt, co-principal investigator of NVC’s Community Math Grant.
“The Community Math Grant is excited to partner with Dr. Don to bring this seminar to NVC!” says Dr. Hunt. “What better tool to equip future teachers with than to learn what learning truly is. And, we’re opening this up to all NVC students because we recognize the potential impact this course can have for all of our students,” she added.
The rewards of truly understanding your own learning are remarkable, says Dr. Don, who has been teaching undergraduate- and graduate-level psychology courses for over 30 years.
“Those who master the psychology of learning have better opportunities for improving almost every aspect of their lives, including succeeding in school, finding a fulfilling career, improving relationships, making better financial decisions, and increasing their emotional, psychological, and social well-being,” he added.
The “Investigate Your Learning” Discovery Seminar is open to all Alamo Colleges’ students who will be able to work at their own pace and set their own time schedules. Dr. Don will be available throughout a student’s seminar experience.
Students are encouraged to sign up early (this semester) to secure a spot in the discovery seminar. NVC faculty are encouraged to share and/or recommend students for this seminar.
For more information about “Investigate Your Learning” discovery seminar or to sign up for it, contact Dr. Heidi Hunt in the Math Department, [email protected] or Dr. Don Lucas in the Psychology Department at: [email protected].