Kathleen Gabriel, assistant professor, professional studies in education, California State University, Chico

Dr. Gabriel began her career in the educational field right out of college, accepting a secondary te[more]aching position as a high school social science teacher. Not long after that, she started working with students with learning disabilities. During her 14 years of high school teaching, she was also an advisor to several student organizations, selected as a mentor teacher for her district, and received the "Teacher of the Year" award. Dr. Gabriel facilitated many faculty development workshops throughout Northern California, and in 1988, she was invited to the University of Kansas to participate in the doctorate program.

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Colleges have many diverse students, and there is an increase in first-generation students who may be at risk-students with learning disabilities and those who arrive unprepared for the academic rigors of college. Professors must be prepared to reach all the students in their courses. When dealing with unprepared students, professors must use learner-centered educational methods as well as universal design strategies. This session will address methods for engaging and teaching peripheral students so they have a greater chance of success. Participants will take part in several active-learning techniques as  well as discuss specific actions, techniques, and strategies designed to teach students how to learn. In addition, the presenter will share several motivation techniques.

Keywords: at-risk students, learning disabilities, student success, unprepared students