After a long period of time of focusing on teaching, there is a healthy shift to focusing on learning. Many classroom professors are searching for effective ways to change from a transmission mode of instruction to a focus on improving the learning and mastery of content material by students. Another trend impacting upon higher education is a change in the focus of student academic support and enrichment. In the past some institutions focused their attention by serving only students at the far extremes, developmental students and honors students. I think that the new trend will be to serve all students at the institution regarding academic excellence and persistence toward achievement of their academic degrees.
Most writers agree that the majority of faculty members want to improve the learning environment.
They have tremendous content knowledge. However, we as learning assistance professionals possess some of the knowledge and skill that would be helpful to faculty members as they seek to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the learning process. There are no better experts in the learning process than those who are in our profession. At my institution we often consult with faculty members on improving instructional delivery, integrate emerging technology with instructional delivery systems, conduct new faculty member orientation and instructional training programs, and host faculty development programs. We have been invited by faculty members and academic departments because of the reputation we have with supporting academic development of students at all levels within the institution.