ALS Workshops are FREE 50-minute sessions open to any UCI student who wishes to acquire new learning skills and improve their academic performance. These workshops focus on a variety of topics that help students develop academic learning skills. In the workshops you will learn how certain techniques for studying can help you to understand the material at a deeper level, learn more with less work, deal with distractions and anxiety, and become an efficient, independent learner. Bring your schedules and calendars (academic, work, and social!) and the syllabi, readings, other materials if you wish to address them in the workshop.

Download a copy of the ALS Workshop Schedule:
Spring Quarter 2013 - ALS Workshop Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change! Registered students will be notified of any changes, or check the schedule before dropping in.

Register for a Workshop: Registering for the ALS Workshops at the LARC website will guarantee a place, but drop-ins are welcome on a first-come basis until room capacity is reached.

Other UCI units can request workshops tailored to their own particular students or needs. Contact Tracie Welser for more information. (twelser@uci.edu)

ALS Workshops come in a variety of topics, which are offered throughout each quarter:

Adjusting to Academia
Coming to university from high school, work, or family can be like moving to another country! This workshop helps you understand how studying at college is different from what you are used to, and gives you the tools to adjust to your new life.
Efficient Study Plans
Almost anybody can learn almost anything given enough time and practice, but to be successful, you must make every study moment count. This workshop helps you understand how many students study inefficiently and gives you the techniques that will help you learn the material quickly and with deeper understanding.
Time Management
If you struggle with your coursework, the most common advice is to spend more time studying, but where can you find more time? This workshop presents a series of strategies for managing your study time so that you can get your work done and still have time for a life.
Open Sessions
Push the reset button on your school/life balance by attending an open discussion! If you're experiencing stress and anxiety, you're not alone. This workshop will show you how to develop self-care and stress management habits and give you the opportunity to connect with other students (facilitated by the Learning Skills Counselor).

Open Session: Miscellaneous Topics

Miscellaneous Topic sessions are a good option for students who need a specific workshop topic but were unable to attend earlier in the quarter. Attendees and the facilitator determine the topics together at the start of the workshop.
Surviving Lectures
If you've ever skipped a lecture, you don't know what you were missing. Listening to lectures and note-taking can be the most valuable study time you spend, but you have to know how to make them work for you. This workshop shows you how to turn lectures into 'Super-Study-Sessions' and come away with excellent notes.
Academic Reading
Many students complain that they have read their texts 3+ times, but they still don't understand. Academic books, articles, writings, etc. require a different kind of reading than novels or magazines. This workshop gives you the strategies for using academic texts properly and making your reading time really count.
Memory and Concentration
You don't get partial credit for writing, "I know I saw that answer once, but I can't remember what it said" on a test! This workshop helps you learn the skills for increasing your focus and concentration, and helps you to remember concepts easier and with less study time.
Academic Anxiety
Test Anxiety, Math Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, Insecurity... Our emotions can really hinder our academic performance. This workshop helps you to understand how your emotions work, and what you can do to help them work for you rather than against you while studying.
Preparing for Exams
It is hard enough to get good grades without studying the wrong material, making simple mistakes, or misunderstanding the questions on exams. This workshop helps you understand what will be on the exam, and gives you the strategies to approach a variety of types of exams including Multiple Choice, Essay, Short Answer, Problem Sets, and others.
Fearless Presentations
Presentations make many students nervous, but public speaking is an important part of success in college life and beyond. From planning individual speeches to collaborating for group presentations, this workshop gives you strategies and techniques to help you speak with confidence.

LARC Classes
UNI STU 93 - Strategies for Success
Assists students in developing their academic abilities and study skills in preparation of the rigorous demands of their major. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and interactive exercises, students will explore, implement, and acquire a variety of practical study strategies for topics such as time management, notetaking, memory and concentration, overcoming procrastination, goal setting, textbook reading, and other exam preparation techniques.

UNI STU 175 - Methods in Small Group Instruction
*Designed and required for all new PAL Leaders in their first quarter.
UNI STU 175 explores various theories of learning and development, as well as the evidence base for teaching techniques and skills. The theoretical and methodological frameworks for learning and teaching are then applied specifically to student study behaviors and to the methods and practice of using small peer groups to improve academic learning skills and facilitate independent learning. PAL Leaders receive instruction in the design, implementation, and evaluation of an effective learning environment for undergraduate students using their own PAL Sessions as a laboratory.