The Developmental Studies Lab
Mary Ellen Ryan, DSL Facilitator M.Ed., Arcadia University B.A. Mathematics, Arcadia University PA Certification, Secondary Education |
The DSL: Where Motivation and Commitment Create Success
The result of a Title III grant, the Developmental Studies Lab (DSL) provides students with an opportunity to master basic skills (math, English, and reading) in a state-of-the-art computer-mediated learning environment. Students have complete flexibility in scheduling their course time during any of the seventy-five hours a week that the DSL is open.
A minimum required attendance schedule of four hours per week in the fall and spring semesters, and nine hours per week during the summer session. In addition to the minimum weekly schedule, students are updated on their progress.
Skills building is the goal of the DSL. Enrolled students accomplish this goal through highly structured syllabi, computer-delivered lessons, and one-to-one tutoring. The DSL's approach is both mastery (students do not move on to the next computer lesson until they pass the previous lesson with a score of at least 80%) and self-paced (students progress at their own rate, not being intimidated by students who learn faster or frustrated by students who learn slower).
In the DSL, student-centeredness is the key. There are two important rules that serve as guiding principles: there is no limit to the number of questions a student may ask, and there is no limit to the number of times a student may ask the same question. This encouraging atmosphere builds self-confidence and self-direction.
Students who have passed courses in the DSL perform well when they move on to college-level courses. The strong foundation they build in the self-paced, mastery level approach of the DSL gives them the skills they need to continue their college careers. All students who are in the market for basic skills training are welcome in the DSL. Age and weak computer literacy are no barriers. Motivation and commitment are the major prerequisites needed to do well in the DSL.
