USU alumnus specializes in learning
With finals week only a week away, some students on campus are overwhelmed, unprepared and wish they had more help in lieu of long papers and comprehensive tests.
Dennis Kohler, learning specialist for the USU Academic Resource Center, said there is plenty of help for anyone on campus, and the real problem is knowing where to find it.
“If anyone thinks (studying) is something they can’t manage, they can definitely find help,” Kohler said. “Here alone, in the Taggart Student Center, there are so many rich resources and people to talk to. You can come see us or many others and find strategies for time management and efficiency.
“Everybody has had the tendency to feel like they are not cut out for this — it happens. Just put your hand out and ask for help.”
Kohler, a 42-year old Logan native, said his career has always been founded on his love for learning. After graduating from Sky View High School in 1987, he attended Utah State University and received his degree in philosophy in 1991.
He then spent time overseas, he said, teaching language and linguistic courses at Kuwait University and the University of Suwon in South Korea, before obtaining a master’s degree in applied linguistics at USU in 2000.
He said he was an adjunct professor for about 10 years before attaining his position with ARC.
The ARC, located on the third floor of the TSC, provides help with study skills via one-on-one tutoring, supplemental instruction or scheduled public workshops around campus.
Kohler said his learning and drive to help people with their education are the reasons he is where he is, today.
“People in their lives have tipping points where they have to decide one way or another and decide which path is good for them and what isn’t,” Kohler said. “Any person could use just a small bit of help or encouragement.
“To me that is such a powerful thing. I feel if myself or someone could just have one conversation with someone struggling or questioning themselves, that could be the tipping point between another successful graduate and someone who has to be put in the dropout column.”
Kohler said he is usually in his office by 8 a.m. on weekdays, checking emails and doing routine troubleshooting for students in need.
He said his responsibilities throughout the day range from teaching classes, office work, meeting with students for both appointments and drop-in visits, preparing study study skills workshops and overseeing the math and statistic tutoring program.
Something else offered by the ARC is a class Kohler said he teaches strategies for academic success (PSY 1730), a seven-week course that teaches various study and test-taking skills.
In his spare time, Kohler said he also coaches women’s rugby on campus and helps with the international student council.
“I love getting out and getting involved with students, it’s a big reason why I love my job,” he said.
Kohler said he has always had a love for Cache Valley, especially having the opportunity to work here and enjoy the environment.
“We have such a rich environment of international students here and have for such a long time,” Kohler said. “A time ago it used to just be because of our agriculture studies but now you seem them in engineering and education and in dozens of programs. I’ve been all over the world and I keep coming back to Logan, because I love it here and am proud to be a USU grad.”
For those approaching finals with a great deal of dread, Kohler said there’s nothing to be shamed of.
“If you’re worried about school you are definitely not alone,” he said. “A lot of people feel isolated, whether it’s the senior taking their last finals or anyone else on campus, everybody goes through it; but you can do it. There are so many places on campus that can help and we are just one of them. Come sit and talk with us and see what it can do for you, and we’ll do everything we can.”
– steve.schwartzman@aggiemail.usu.edu