Nancy Thompson Learning Commons
Contact Information
Phone: (908) 737-4629
Email: learningcommons@kean.edu
Website: Learningcommons.kean.edu
Tutoring
The Tutoring Program provides comprehensive academic support across more than 100 undergraduate courses, offering students the tools and guidance they need to succeed in challenging subjects. Support is delivered through a combination of one‑to‑one and small‑group sessions facilitated by CRLA Level III–certified peer tutors and highly trained Academic Specialists.
Tutoring is aligned with course content and classroom expectations, ensuring students receive accurate, relevant, and instructionally connected support. Our peer‑to‑peer learning model allows elop deeper mastery of course material.
Services Offered
1. One‑to‑One Course Support
Individualized tutoring sessions tailored to each student’s questions, learning style, and pace. Students receive personalized guidance on course concepts, assignments, study strategies, and exam preparation.
2. Small‑Group Tutoring
Collaborative sessions that allow students to learn from one another, practice skills together, and reinforce difficult concepts with support from a trained tutor.
3. Support Across 100+ Undergraduate Courses
Tutoring is available in a broad range of subjects—from foundational courses to advanced coursework—focusing on areas where students most often experience difficulty.
4. Peer‑to‑Peer Learning
CRLA Level III–certified peer tutors provide relatable, student‑centered support based on their own successful academic experiences, fostering confidence and skill development.
5. Academic Specialist Support
Professional Academic Specialists offer expert content assistance, learning strategies, and structured approaches to tackling complex material.
6. Workshops and Study Sessions
Group workshops that reinforce core skills, including subject-specific content review, study techniques, problem-solving strategies, and exam readiness.
7. Exam Preparation
Guided review of key concepts, practice questions, and test‑taking strategies to help students prepare effectively and confidently.
8. Academic Success Strategies
Tutors provide support in time management, note‑taking, critical thinking, and reading comprehension to strengthen long-term academic performance.
9. Skill‑Building and Confidence Development
Encouragement, feedback, and collaborative learning help students gain confidence in their abilities and become more independent learners.
10. Resource Connection
Students are introduced to additional academic resources, including learning materials, online tools, and campus support services that enhance their success.
To make a tutoring appointment, please click tutoring.kean.edu
The Writing Center
The Writing Center (TWC) provides students with the opportunity to build lasting proficiency in written communication by offering one‑on‑one sessions with CRLA-trained coaches to help them further enhance their writing processes. These coaches provide constructive and objective feedback at any stage of a project, whether students need support with brainstorming, drafting, or revising. As another accessible, campus‑wide, data‑driven resource within Learning Support Services, TWC serves students, faculty, and staff across academic disciplines. Its team of undergraduate content tutors and writing academic specialists with graduate-level backgrounds brings diverse qualifications to their work. TWC maintains a safe space for all members of the Kean University community as they navigate their writing journeys. Through in‑person and virtual coaching, TWC meets campus accessibility needs while guiding writers in discipline‑specific writing practices. It supports development in critical thinking, peer feedback, and research methods. TWC empowers writers with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their academic and creative writing endeavors.
Services Offered
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Academic Specialist Support: Academic Specialists offer expert and graduate-level writing assistance, allowing for non course based writing support in multiple genres including creative writing.
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Clarity: Help students enhance the clarity, coherence, and organization of their writing to communicate their ideas.
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Confidence Building: Empower students to express themselves confidently through writing, cultivating self-assurance in their communication abilities.
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Critical Thinking: Promote critical thinking skills through analyzing and synthesizing complex ideas, arguments, and evidence within written work.
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Cultural Competence: Provide culturally responsive and inclusive feedback that respects and values diverse perspectives and experiences within students' writing.
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Feedback and Revision: Provide constructive feedback on students’ writing projects at all stages of development, encouraging revision practices and skill sets.
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Genre Awareness: Foster awareness of different writing genres and styles, guiding students in adapting their writing to meet the expectations of specific audiences and contexts.
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Grammar and Mechanics: Support students in mastering grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure clarity and professionalism in their writing.
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Lifelong Writing Skills: Equip students with the writing skills and strategies necessary for success beyond their academic endeavors.
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One to One Writing Support: Individualized writing sessions tailored to each student’s questions, learning style, and pace. Students receive personalized guidance on writing assignments and strategies.
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Peer to Peer Learning: CRLA Level III–certified writing coaches provide relatable, student centered support based on their own successful academic experiences.
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Research and Citation: Assist students in conducting effective research, source integration, and citations according to academic conventions.
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Resource Connection: Introduce students to additional writing resources, including learning materials and online tools that enhance their success.
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Writing Emphasis Course Support: Course-based writing assistance is available for Kean writing courses across the disciplines, from required courses for graduation to advanced writing courses.
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Workshops: Group writing workshops that reinforce core skills, including subject-specific content review, writing assignment techniques, and citation standards.
To make an appointment at The Writing Center, please click tutoring.kean.edu.
The Language Resource Center
The Language Resource Center (LRC) provides comprehensive support to help students strengthen their English language proficiency and overall communication skills. The center is staffed by TESOL‑certified professionals and trained peer tutors, ensuring students receive expert guidance in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Services Offered
1. One‑to‑One Tutoring
Personalized sessions designed to support English language practice, academic writing, reading comprehension, and effective speaking skills. Instruction is tailored to each student’s goals and learning needs.
2. Small Group Tutoring
Collaborative small‑group sessions that encourage conversation practice, vocabulary development, grammar support, and shared learning experiences.
3. Workshops
Skill‑building workshops focused on:
- Academic and professional writing
- Pronunciation and oral communication
- Presentation skills
- Grammar and structure
- Reading and vocabulary development
4. Written Communication Support
Guidance on essay development, organization, clarity, revision strategies, and understanding assignment expectations.
5. Spoken Communication Support
Opportunities to practice speaking, improve pronunciation, build fluency, and prepare for class presentations, interviews, and other academic communication tasks.
Academic Coaching
The Academic Coaching Program at Kean University is dedicated to empowering every student by embracing the diverse learning styles and individual strengths present within our community. Understanding that learning is highly personal, our CRLA Level III Academic Coaches tailor their approaches to provide targeted, effective, and engaging support that enhances academic habits, organizational systems, and overall learning effectiveness. Working collaboratively with students, faculty, and campus partners, Academic Coaches develop personalized educational plans that address specific needs and build on existing abilities. Through one‑to‑one coaching, small‑group sessions, and interactive workshops, students receive structured guidance in time management, study strategies, note‑taking, testing approaches, communication skills, and maintaining a healthy life‑work‑school balance. The program is committed to fostering a supportive environment where all learners can thrive, build confidence, and develop the independent learning skills necessary for long‑term academic success.
Services Offered
1. One‑to‑One Academic Coaching
Personalized coaching sessions tailored to each student’s goals, challenges, and learning needs. Coaches provide structured support in building productive habits and improving academic performance.
2. Small‑Group Coaching Sessions
Collaborative sessions where students practice skills together, learn shared strategies, and receive guidance from an Academic Coach in a supportive group setting.
3. Workshops
Skill‑building workshops offered throughout the semester, focusing on improving academic routines, learning strategies, communication, and overall success habits.
4. Time Management Strategies
Guidance on how to plan effectively, prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and create sustainable weekly schedules.
5. Study Skills Development
Instruction in effective study methods, active learning strategies, exam preparation techniques, and approaches to deeper understanding.
6. Testing Strategies
Support in reducing test anxiety, approaching different exam formats, and improving overall test‑taking effectiveness.
7. Communication Skills
Coaching in clear, professional, and confident communication—both written and verbal—to support academic and interpersonal success.
8. Note‑Taking Practice
Training in multiple note‑taking systems, including structured, visual, and digital methods, to help students understand and retain course content.
9. Organizational Tips and Methods
Support with organizing coursework, managing digital files, maintaining planners or calendars, and developing consistent routines.
10. Life Balance Coaching
Strategies to help students maintain healthy balance among academics, work, personal responsibilities, and well‑being.
To make an academic coaching appointment, please click tutoring.kean.edu
Supplemental Instruction
At Kean University, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a peer‑supported form of academic assistance designed to promote student success in historically difficult subjects. SI sessions are collaborative, active, and student‑centered, with the SI leader leading small groups to review course material to support learning. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model created at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) in 1973. UMKC defines SI as a non‑remedial academic support program that targets historically difficult courses rather than high‑risk students, focusing on helping students integrate what to learn with how to learn to improve both performance and retention in challenging courses.
At Kean University, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a peer‑supported form of academic assistance designed to promote student success in historically difficult subjects. SI sessions are collaborative, active, and student‑centered, with the SI leader leading small groups to review course material to support learning. SI provides regularly scheduled, voluntary, out‑of‑class group study sessions facilitated by trained peer leaders who use collaborative activities to promote peer‑to‑peer learning and active engagement with course material. [umkc.edu], [info.umkc.edu]
The SI model emphasizes that learning is most effective when students review course content collaboratively, compare notes, discuss readings, engage in practice problems, and strengthen study strategies together. SI is intentionally placed in courses with high DFW (D, F, Withdrawal) rates, known as “historically difficult” or “high‑risk” courses, as identified by institutional data.
SI Leaders are high-achieving students who:
- Have previously excelled in the course they support
- Attend every class session and take notes
- Work closely with the course instructor
- Host several study sessions each week
During SI sessions, students work with peers to review content, practice problem‑solving, compare notes, clarify key concepts, and strengthen effective study skills.
Courses Currently Supported by Supplemental Instruction
Accounting
- ACCT 2200 – Principles of Accounting I
- ACCT 2210 – Principles of Accounting II
Business Law
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Math
- MATH 1044 – Pre‑calculus for Business
- MATH 1054 – Pre‑calculus
Computer Science
To make an SI session appointment, please click tutoring.kean.edu