Self-Paced Skills

Welcome!

Self-Paced Skills courses are flexible, individualized, open-entry 1/2 unit Pass/No Pass courses in:

• Reading
• Vocabulary
• Math
• Writing
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Study Skills

Follow the links to find online explanations, exercises, quizzes, tools, and resources that you can work on on your own...just jump in and explore! 

How to Enroll

Once a student has registered for a self-paced skills class through the Portal, visit the Academic Skills Center during the first week of the quarter to check in and schedule an orientation.

A  student may drop-in to the Academic Skills Center during the first week of classes to request an add code, however space may be limited.  

Step 1: Orientation

Please visit the Academic Skills Center (ATC 302) to check in. Students who do not touch base with the Academic Skills Center by Friday of Week 2 will be dropped from their Skills courses.

NEW SKILLS STUDENTS:

New students are required to attend an in-person Orientation by the end of Week 2.  Students may download the Orientation schedule here.  Only registered students in a Skills course may attend Orientation. 

ORIENTATION:

• Set-up a folder and learn where to keep your assignments and notes;
• Identify your goals and objectives;
• Decide if you would like to complete 6 of the 12 hours of credit through online work;
• Complete a Diagnostic Test (per course) to determine current skill level;
• Review the Syllabus to understand course requirements and procedures.
• Download and review the PowerPoint Presentation if you cannot attend an Orientation in person.  Make sure to check in with the Skills Staff to set up a folder and complete the Student Time Log Sheet for credit.

Step 2: Get programmed

After your Diagnostic Test is scored, an instructor assigns or "programs" individualized modules for you based on your current skill level and identified goals.  Programming means that an instructor has chosen assignments that will help you improve your skills.  Students complete 12 hours of work throughout the quarter at a pace that is convenient. 

A minimum of 6 hours of credit is completed in the Academic Skills Center (ATC 302) during open hours, including workshops on campus.  If a student has been programmed for online work, such as SkillsTutor or public Internet sites, then 6 hours may be completed on the Internet from any location.   

Examples of instructor-programmed materials include:

• books and videos
• computer software, such as SkillsTutor
• public Internet sites with online tutorials and practice tests
• Skills Workshops

Step 3: assignments

Introductory Assignments are a way to get "warmed up" to the subject you are studying in your Skills class, and to help you learn some basic skills to help you with the rest of the course.

After you complete a diagnostic test, you can get started on an Introductory Assignment.  There is a separate Introductory Assignment for each Skills class; if you are enrolled in more than one class, you complete the Introductory Assignment for each class.

Programmed Assignments are available after an instructor assigns you individualized assignments based on your diagnostic test, skill level, and questionnaire. These assignments are written inside your Skills folder filed in the Academic Skills Center.  If you have been programmed for online work, the password for SkillsTutor and recommended assignments are also written inside your folder.

Step 4: conference

A student can discuss options with an instructor during a scheduled 30-minute conference.  Visit the Academic Skills Center to learn about available appointments.  A conference is not mandatory, but highly recommended to discuss programmed assignments and personal goals with an instructor.

Step 5: Final evaluation

 Before the end of the quarter, please fill out the Self-Paced Final Evaluation to receive credit for the class.