Learning Commons

Your Success, Our Mission

At the Learning Commons, we foster an inclusive learning community by offering personalized study support and resources for all students.

  • Within our accessible, collaborative environment, we celebrate diversity and cultivate a sense of belonging.
  • We empower learners to conquer challenges and realize their potential, nurturing a culture of continuous learning.

Your Path to Success

Recognizing that every student's journey is unique, we offer a range of dynamic study support options tailored to your preferences and learning style. Dive into a world of possibilities:

  • Walk-In Study Support: Drop in and connect with our dedicated learning assistants face-to-face. No appointments necessary – just a welcoming environment for collaborative learning.
  • Live Online 24/7 Study Support: Have a burning question at midnight? Need last-minute help before an exam? Our online platform, Brainfuse, provides real-time access to expert tutors, day and night. To access Brainfuse, please log in to Talon and select the Welcome to Talon tile after scrolling down the page. Once you've selected that tile, select Live Online Study Support with Brainfuse, which will take you to Brainfuse.
  • Individual Learning Assistants: If you prefer personalized attention, complete our simple online form to request your own learning assistant. Together, we'll conquer challenges and ignite your confidence.To request an individual learning assistant, please fill out the Individual Learning Assistant Form. Students may receive help for two different classes each semester, for up to two hours per week for each class. Note: Make sure to check your KIRKWOOD STUDENT EMAIL for the learning assistant information we assign to you; we do NOT send information to your private email. Contact us if you do not receive correspondence from us within 24 hours.
  • Online Tutorials: Explore a wealth of digital resources that align with your coursework. Learn at your pace, review key concepts, and reinforce your understanding.
  • Computer Application Skills: The Learning Commons has a 16-station computer lab available for student use that is equipped with all the necessary software to accommodate your academic needs. Each workstation also includes Read&Write, a literacy software that makes the online text more accessible. Questions regarding computer application skills can be directed to any of the support staff members in the Learning Commons.

There are also 6 private rooms available within the Learning Commons, each with its own computer station and full-size whiteboard for students’ study needs. Meet with study groups, work on a group project, or meet with a learning assistant in one of these spaces!

Study Support

We offer drop-in study support in several subjects. This is a free service to our students with unlimited usage throughout the semester. Learning assistants are available to assist students at the time, day and location specified with each program listed below.

1132 Linn Hall

Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

Friday: 9 to 11 a.m.

A and P Success Center Spring 2024 Schedule

2078 Cedar Hall 

Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Kirkwood’s English Language Acquisition (ELA) course of study offers many opportunities for you to practice your English speaking and writing skills.

1132 Linn Hall

Monday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 5 to 7 p.m. 

Professor Hours Study Support

Monday 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.                        

Tuesday: 12:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 12:30 to 3:15 p.m.

Friday: 9 to 11 a.m.


KRCUI in Coralville: Room 416

Monday: 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday 1 to 4 p.m.

Wednesday  5 to 6 p.m.

Jan. 22 to May 1

2071 Cedar Hall

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 17 to May 9

 

2172 Linn Hall

Monday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 29 to April 29

526 Linn County Regional Center

Thursday 11 a.m. to Noon

Feb. 1 to May 2

Walk-In Assistance

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 - Jan. 12

Online only

Meeting ID: 857 7705 9623

Passcode: 892849

Monday through Thursday: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 to May 2

KRCUI in Coralville: Room 052

Monday 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Wednesday 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Friday 9 to 10 a.m.

Jan. 22 to May 1


Additional Resources

The Learning Commons partners with the Writing Center, where students can access assistance for Composition, Literature, or any course that requires writing.

 

Need additional assistance? Stop by the Allsop Computer Lab in Nielsen Hall or call 319-398-5606. The computer lab assistants are available for all of your computer questions and needs. Explore lab services and devices.

Other campus computer resources include the Computer Skills Lab in Cedar Hall or the Kirkwood library.


Tips for Learning Assistance

  • Read your syllabus and course schedule. This will help you schedule your tutoring appointments to properly prepare for tests and quizzes without cramming.
  • Start your homework. This will help identify problem areas to focus on during your appointment.
  • Do your best to understand as much of the material as possible.
  • Textbook
  • Course materials (syllabus, course schedule, etc.)
  • Previous homework assignments, quizzes and tests
  • Notes, study guides, flash cards and other study tools
  • Homework, similar problems or challenging problems
  • Specific questions
  • Understand that you may have to wait for the them to get to you; please be patient.
  • Understand that they may need to review your textbook, class notes, and/or previous problems to fully answer your question.
  • Understand that if there are other students waiting, they may not be able to work with you for more than five minutes at a time. Please have your materials and questions ready.
  • Participate and ask questions! This is YOUR appointment, so be sure to be involved.
  • Do not feel embarrassed if you need to have something repeated or need your assistant to slow down.
  • Your learning assistant will not do your homework for you, and will not correct your completed homework. There is no other way for you to learn the material than for you to do the work yourself.
  • Attend all classes and actively participate! Ask questions and take notes. This may answer your questions immediately. Know and understand instructor's expectations and guidelines.
  • Form study groups with other students from class to review homework and prepare for tests. The whole group is welcome to stop in for walk-in tutoring!
  • Your classroom instructor is your best resource! Be sure to ask them your questions as soon as you have them; either in-class, during their office hours, or other methods listed in the course syllabus. Nobody knows the course better than the instructor!

Tips for Studying

Students often deal with stress in a campus setting when it deals with grades and testing situations. Test anxiety is nothing more than your nerves and the possibility of failure getting the best of you. You tell yourself that you do not have the skill set necessary to carry out the task, therefore you anticipate failure.

Here are several things you can do to avoid stress and anxiety related to your education.

Take Care of Yourself

Your ability to succeed in the classroom is dependent on how you treat your body. Schedule time in your day to eat properly, have a regular exercise routine, and get sufficient sleep. These three basics will prepare you to cope with whatever the day throws your way.

Don't Make a Mountain Out of a Mole Hill

Evaluate the situation. Is it really as bad as it seems? Imagine yourself in the best and worst case scenario. When you mentally process both possible outcomes you have taken away the fear of the unknown. Your nerves and anxiety has no where to go and you can be calmer about what steps will be necessary to do your best.

Be Prepared

If you are taking an exam, make sure you have studied the materials, including your text, supplemental material, and lecture notes. If the test is over a technique you need to explain to an instructor, make sure you have gone over the technique several times before you make your presentation. Being prepared is the best way to zap the anxiety bug.

Breathe

During your exam take some deep breaths. Deep breathing causes your nervous system to calm down.

Power of Positive Thinking

Before you go into your exam, silently repeat a positive self statement. It may be something as simple as, "I think I can... I think I can." Or, think about a happy time in your life. Studies have shown that positive thoughts prior to exams produce better grades. Don't let yourself get down. Be confident! Be positive!

Decompress

After you have made it through a stressful situation, allow yourself time to enjoy life. Invite your friends over to watch a funny movie, have a cup of coffee with your mentor. Devoted friends will be excited to hear how you overcame a rough situation.

Exercise with a buddy. The endorphins that are released during exercise will make you feel happy, refreshed, and ready to take another test next week!

Like numerous Kirkwood students, you may need assistance in developing study skills and other strategies to achieve success in your coursework. Information on ways to enhance your abilities in taking notes, test taking, time and stress management, and reading textbooks are available.

Being successful in college takes more than attending class. When you are new to college, sometimes there are learning curves to being successful in your classes.

Find out more about:

  • Citations and sources
  • Forming a study group
  • Managing your time
  • Motivation
  • Problem-solving
  • Textbook reading tips
  • Tips for exams

Sometimes lectures in classes frustrate students. Sometimes lecturers go much faster than some students can follow.

There are many strategies that can help students cope with these frustrations, but one can be significantly helpful: a study group. It has been proven that studying in groups helps many students. As students work in groups, they feel free to ask questions about concepts and topics that are hard to understand.

Strategies for Study Groups

  • Since it is hard to handle a large group of students, keep the group small for discussions.
  • Find partners you are comfortable with.
  • Decide on the place to meet. It should be in a place most accessible to everyone in the group.
  • Decide on the time that works best for the group members.
  • Choose a group leader.
  • Groups should meet on weekly basis. When meetings are held less often, attendance tends to drop off. These meetings should not, when possible, have any conflicts with other activities.
  • Start and end the meetings on time.
  • Make a list of questions with which you may want some help. The group is a place where you can clarify your knowledge regarding your concerns. Clarification of instructional information and content is often much easier with many heads put together.

Study Groups cannot take the place of individual study and thought, but they are an extremely beneficial study skill for many students. Each student learns from other group members and the social interaction allows members to gain confidence and a sense of mutual support.


Are you passionate about sharing knowledge and uplifting others? Consider becoming a Learning Assistant! Empower your peers and gain valuable experience!

The Learning Commons is always recruiting Learning Assistants for most classes. Ideal candidates will have an 3.0 overall GPA and a B+ or better in the course they want to provide support for.

Email us at learning.commons@kirkwood.edu if you have any questions!


Cedar Rapids Campus
2071 Cedar Hall
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

For more information call 319-398-5425

 

Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
052
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

For more information call 319-887-3612