Your Success, Our Mission
At the Learning Commons, we foster an inclusive learning community by offering personalized study support and resources for all students.
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:
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!
1132 Linn Hall
Monday and Tuesday: Noon to 3 p.m.
2078 Cedar Hall
Monday through Thursday: 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.
Aug. 27 to Dec. 13
2071 Cedar Hall
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fall 2024 TBA
Sept. 2 to Dec. 5
052 Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa in Coralville
Monday and Wednesday: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2071 Cedar Hall
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Library
Monday through Wednesday: 5 to 7 p.m.
1176 Linn Hall
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1176 Linn Hall
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 3 to Dec. 5
2172 Linn Hall
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Not available in the summer; fall 2024 TBA
Fall 2024 TBA
Sept. 2 to Dec. 5
Online only: https://www.zoom.us
Meeting ID: 857 7705 9623
Passcode: 892849
Monday through Thursday: 4 to 7 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During your exam take some deep breaths. Deep breathing causes your nervous system to calm down.
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!
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:
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.
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