This sample Student Profile Report is for informational purposes only. Learn more about the SLA at our website.

Strategic Learning Assessment

Student Profile Report

Student Name

1/10/2025

student.name@college.edu

Group Number: XXXXXX

Post-test Code: XXXXXXXXXX

Introduction

The Strategic Learning Assessment (SLA) is designed to help you better understand your strengths and areas for growth, so that you can succeed in your studies. This report provides personalized feedback and suggestions in 11 key learning areas:

Communication
Critical Thinking
Effective Learning Strategies
Focus and Concentration
Growth Mindset
Persistence

Seeking Help
Sense of Belonging
Stress Management
Test Preparation
Time Management

Take some time to review this information, noting your strengths and areas where you can improve. Learning is a journey, and this assessment can help you learn more about yourself so you can become a more effective and confident student.

As you work to improve on your skills after completing this assessment, your instructor/advisor may want you to take this assessment again. If you do take it a second time, you will need your post-test code. Your post-test code is XXXXXXXXXX.

Percentile Scores

The graph below interprets your responses to the SLA. The numbers on the left-hand side of the chart show percentile ranks. You can use these percentile ranks to compare your scores to other individuals’ scores. For example, if you scored in the 90th percentile in Communication (COMM), you scored higher than 90 percent of other individuals answering the same questions.

Bar Color Meaning

The 11 bars in the chart are colored green, blue, or orange depending on your score. Use the key below to interpret the meaning of each bar color.

You scored above the 75th percentile on the scales with green bars. You probably do not have to give a high priority to improving your learning strategies in these areas.

You scored between the 75th and the 50th percentiles on the scales with blue bars. You should consider improving your strategies in these areas. Use the suggestions in the section below as a guide to improving.

You scored below the 50th percentile on the scales with orange bars. You need to improve your learning strategies in these areas. Use the suggestions in the sections below as a guide to improving.

Individual Score Interpretations

Green scores indicate strengths.

Your scores in green indicate that you probably do not have to give a high priority to improving your learning strategies in these areas. Continue to build on your strengths and challenge yourself to grow even further.

These are the areas you have strengths in: Persistence, Test Preparation.

Click each area below to learn ways to build on your strengths and challenge yourself to grow even further in each learning area.

Persistence

Sample Items:

I am able to recover from disappointment fairly easily.
When faced with a bad grade on an assignment, I focus on what I can learn to improve for the next one.

Persistence is a powerful tool for achieving your academic goals. The ability to overcome challenges and setbacks is crucial for college success. Building resilience and determination will help you navigate the ups and downs of your academic journey. Remember, everyone experiences difficulties, but it’s how you respond to these challenges that makes a difference. To enhance your persistence, consider setting clear, achievable goals, practicing effective time management, and developing strong self-regulation skills. By believing in your abilities and consistently working towards your aspirations, you can unlock your full potential.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Persistence is the ability to persevere (keep going) despite challenges and setbacks.	Goal setting Time management Self-regulation	Think about and try to identify the deeper reason behind your goals. A strong “why” provides the motivation to push through challenges. Divide overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Test Preparation

Sample Items:

I take practice tests before an exam when they are available.
When studying for an exam, I break down complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks.

Test preparation is a critical skill that can significantly impact your academic success. Developing effective strategies for studying and preparing for exams not only helps you achieve better grades but also deepens your understanding of the material. To maximize your learning, consider incorporating evidence-based strategies like active recall, where you quiz yourself on the material, and spaced repetition, where you review information at increasing intervals. Additionally, creating a structured study plan, breaking down complex concepts into smaller chunks, and using visual aids like diagrams or mind maps can further enhance your retention and comprehension. Remember, test preparation is a continuous process, and consistent effort will yield the best results. By investing time and effort in developing effective test preparation strategies, you can get better grades and more easily achieve your goals.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Test Preparation: getting ready for a test by studying and reviewing the material you'll be tested on.	Self-evaluation/assessment Focus and concentration	Join or create a study group with your classmates to review test materials together. Ask your instructor if you could access practice tests you could take to help you prepare for the upcoming test.

Blue scores are areas for further growth.

Your scores in blue indicate that you have a good foundation and are on your way to mastering these skills. Keep practicing and refining your abilities.

You have a good foundation in: Critical Thinking, Focus and Concentration, Seeking Help, Time Management.

Click each area below to learn ways to build on your strengths and challenge yourself to grow even further in each learning area.

Critical Thinking

Sample Items:

When faced with a hard problem, I break it down into smaller, more manageable parts to figure it out.
I challenge my own beliefs when presented with new information.

Critical thinking is a key skill that empowers you to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions, not just in your academic life, but in your personal and professional life as well. By honing your ability to evaluate evidence, identify biases, and consider different perspectives, you can approach challenges with greater confidence and creativity. Remember, critical thinking is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to develop these high-level cognitive skills, but the rewards are well worth it. Keep questioning, exploring, and challenging yourself to think more deeply. Embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding, and don’t be afraid to seek out resources and support to help you along the way.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Critical Thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources, forming reasoned judgments, and solving problems effectively.	Problem solving Conflict resolution Communication skills	Read an article from a news source online or in print. List the main ideas from the article. Identify whether the author seemed to be writing from a particular point of view. Ask a friend or family member to do the same thing with the same article. Compare your responses. After hearing their analysis, is there anything in each of your analyses that either of you would like to change? The next time a mild disagreement comes up with a trusted friend or family member, tell them you would like to use the situation to practice and sharpen your debating skills. Write down an opening statement stating what you want to happen. List reasons why you think that should happen. Ask your friend to do the same for their point of view. Critique each other’s arguments and settle on a decision. Find ways to actively challenge your mind: Brainstorm ideas (identify lots of different options without any judgment about them) with a friend about what you want to do this weekend. Experiment with different study schedules and locations. See how creative you can be. After each different study session, identify what worked and what didn’t about each location.

Key Learning Area

Relevant Skills

Example Actions

Critical Thinking involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources, forming reasoned judgments, and solving problems effectively.

Problem solving
Conflict resolution
Communication skills

Read an article from a news source online or in print. List the main ideas from the article. Identify whether the author seemed to be writing from a particular point of view. Ask a friend or family member to do the same thing with the same article. Compare your responses. After hearing their analysis, is there anything in each of your analyses that either of you would like to change?

The next time a mild disagreement comes up with a trusted friend or family member, tell them you would like to use the situation to practice and sharpen your debating skills. Write down an opening statement stating what you want to happen. List reasons why you think that should happen. Ask your friend to do the same for their point of view. Critique each other’s arguments and settle on a decision.

Find ways to actively challenge your mind:

Brainstorm ideas (identify lots of different options without any judgment about them) with a friend about what you want to do this weekend.
Experiment with different study schedules and locations. See how creative you can be. After each different study session, identify what worked and what didn’t about each location.

Focus and Concentration

Sample Items:

I find myself multitasking (such as watching TV or browsing social media) while studying.
If I struggle to focus, I know what to do to get myself back on track.

Focus and concentration are essential skills for college success. The ability to maintain your attention on tasks, like studying and following lectures, can significantly impact your academic performance. Developing strategies to manage distractions and create a focused study environment can be incredibly beneficial. Remember, everyone’s ability to concentrate varies, and it’s a skill that can be improved with practice. By understanding your concentration patterns and implementing effective techniques, you can enhance your study habits and achieve your academic goals.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Focus and Concentration skills enable students to effectively filter out distractions, sustain attention on tasks, and process information.	Self-regulation Self-awareness Mindfulness	Designate a specific area for focused work. This helps your brain associate that space with concentration. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer while you are studying. Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks (e.g., 5 minutes).

Seeking Help

Sample Items:

I take advantage of office hours or other opportunities to get extra help from my instructors.
I tend to avoid asking for help when I am struggling with coursework.

Seeking help is a crucial component of academic success. College can be challenging, and it’s normal to encounter obstacles. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Building strong connections with peers through study groups can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Your professors are also a valuable resource; their office hours offer opportunities to ask questions and clarify concepts. Additionally, your campus likely provides various support services such as tutoring centers, counseling services, and academic advising. Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your college experience and academic performance.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Seeking Help: proactively seek assistance when facing academic difficulties.	Self-advocacy Problem solving Conflict resolution Communication	Talk to your instructor before or after class if you have a specific question you don’t feel comfortable asking during class time. You can also check to see if your instructor holds office hours and attend those when questions arise.

Time Management

Sample Items:

I use a calendar to schedule academic due dates (such as quizzes, tests, and other important academic events).
I dedicate uninterrupted blocks of time for focused studying.

Effective time management is a crucial skill for college success. Managing your time well can reduce stress, improve academic performance, and create a better balance between school and personal life. Consider trying strategies like creating a realistic weekly schedule, prioritizing tasks, and breaking down large assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. Scheduling specific times for studying and recreation and sticking to it, along with avoiding procrastination are simple yet powerful strategies. Remember, it’s about finding your optimal balance and being disciplined enough to stick with it. With disciplined time management, you're setting yourself up for long-term success.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Time Management: means organizing and planning how to use your time effectively.	Self-management Self-reinforcement Decision-making	Write a to-do list and scratch action items off the list as you accomplish them. Use a calendar or planner to schedule activities to help remind you when they are taking place.

Orange scores are areas to work on.

Scores in orange indicate that you are still building your skills in these areas. Keep practicing and refining your abilities.

These are the areas you are still building your skills in: Communication, Effective Learning Strategies, Growth Mindset, Sense of Belonging, Stress Management.

Click each area below to learn ways to build on your strengths and challenge yourself to grow even further in each learning area.

Communication

Sample Items:

I can clearly explain my ideas in writing.
I feel comfortable speaking up in class discussions.

Effective communication is a key ingredient to success in college and beyond. Communication is not just about speaking or writing clearly; it also involves active listening, self-awareness, appropriately interpreting non-verbal cues, and adapting your communication style to different situations. By investing time and effort in improving your communication skills, you can enhance your academic performance, build stronger relationships with peers and professors, and open doors to new opportunities. Consider exploring resources available on campus, such as workshops, tutoring, or communication labs to gain the skills and confidence you need to become a more effective communicator.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Communication: how you can give and take in information and be understood by others	Active listening Self-awareness Self-advocacy Interpreting non-verbal cues Adapting communication styles	Practice presenting a speech in front of a mirror and pay attention to your body language and facial expressions. You can also practice a speech with a trusted friend or family member to get their feedback in a safe space! Watch a music video or TV show with the volume off for interpreting non-verbal cues (what can you tell about the emotions that a person is communicating).

Effective Learning Strategies

Sample Items:

I actively try to connect the information I am learning to my own experiences or knowledge.
I often put reading material into my own words so that I can better understand it.

The Effective Learning Strategies area evaluates the approaches you use to process and retain new information. The strategies you employ play a crucial role in your academic success. Research has shown that actively engaging with material through techniques like summarizing, self-testing, and connecting new information to prior knowledge can significantly enhance comprehension and long-term retention. If you find yourself struggling to retain information or effectively manage your study time, consider incorporating evidence-based strategies such as spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and elaboration into your study routine. These techniques have been proven to improve learning outcomes and promote deeper understanding. You can learn more about these strategies and how to implement them by visiting your campus learning center or academic support services. Remember, learning is a continuous process, and by adopting effective strategies, you can optimize your academic performance and achieve your full potential.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Effective Learning Strategies are research backed practices that empower students to acquire, retain, and apply knowledge effectively, fostering deep understanding and long-term retention.	Retrieval practice (i.e., recalling facts, concepts, or events from memory) Interleaving (i.e., switching attention between two or more topics during a study session Spaced repetition (i.e., reviewing information at increasing intervals over time). Dual coding (i.e., using multiple types of stimuli to help people encode, store, and retrieve information) Feedback-driven metacognition (i.e., the practice of giving the student the ability to know what (s)he does and doesn’t know by thinking about their thinking).	Use flashcards or retrieval practice to memorize facts, dates, and definitions. Set up a schedule to review facts that you are trying to remember on an intermittent basis. Repeat words and phrases you are trying to memorize aloud. Divide your study time between two to three related topics. Consider using flash cards or practice quizzes for each of the topics and rotate between them. Reflect on the similarities and differences between the content areas. To develop metacognitive skills, take the following steps before you start a task: Ask yourself: “What do I already know about this?” Define your goals: “What do I want to achieve?” Plan your approach: “What strategies will I use?” Estimate time and resources: “How long will this take, and what do I need?”

Key Learning Area

Relevant Skills

Example Actions

Effective Learning Strategies are research backed practices that empower students to acquire, retain, and apply knowledge effectively, fostering deep understanding and long-term retention.

Retrieval practice (i.e., recalling facts, concepts, or events from memory)

Interleaving (i.e., switching attention between two or more topics during a study session

Spaced repetition (i.e., reviewing information at increasing intervals over time).

Dual coding (i.e., using multiple types of stimuli to help people encode, store, and retrieve information)

Feedback-driven metacognition (i.e., the practice of giving the student the ability to know what (s)he does and doesn’t know by thinking about their thinking).

Use flashcards or retrieval practice to memorize facts, dates, and definitions.

Set up a schedule to review facts that you are trying to remember on an intermittent basis. Repeat words and phrases you are trying to memorize aloud.

Divide your study time between two to three related topics. Consider using flash cards or practice quizzes for each of the topics and rotate between them. Reflect on the similarities and differences between the content areas.

To develop metacognitive skills, take the following steps before you start a task:

Ask yourself: “What do I already know about this?”

Define your goals: “What do I want to achieve?”

Plan your approach: “What strategies will I use?”

Estimate time and resources: “How long will this take, and what do I need?”

Growth Mindset

Sample Items:

Mistakes are a chance to figure out what I need to work on.
I tend to get discouraged when I experience setbacks.

Understanding your mindset is a valuable step towards achieving your academic goals. Believing in your ability to learn and grow through effort, rather than solely relying on innate talent, can significantly impact your college experience. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, seeking feedback as a tool for improvement, and persisting in the face of setbacks are key components of a growth mindset. Campus resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and counseling centers can provide support and strategies to help you cultivate this mindset. Remember, everyone experiences challenges, but with the right mindset and support, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your full potential.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Growth Mindset is the belief that a person’s talents, intelligence, and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance.	Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Perceive feedback as constructive input to guide improvement rather than a personal criticism. Persist in the face of setbacks, viewing them as temporary obstacles to overcome. Value effort and understand that hard work is essential for success.	Pay attention to your inner dialogue. When you hear phrases like “I’m not good at this” or “I can’t do this,” challenge those thoughts with more positive ones, like “I can do this.” Or “I will do this.” Step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Sense of Belonging

Sample Items:

I have found people at this school who share my interests.
I feel like I am starting to build a social network at this college.

Feeling connected to your college community is essential for your overall well-being and academic success. A strong sense of belonging can boost your motivation, reduce stress, and help you build a strong support network. To enhance your sense of belonging, consider getting involved in campus clubs or organizations that align with your interests, attending campus events, and reaching out to classmates to form new friendships. Remember, everyone feels a bit out of place at times. It’s natural to take time to find your place. Your college offers numerous resources to help you connect with others and build a supportive network.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Sense of Belonging: the feeling of being accepted, valued, and included in a community.	Self-awareness Communication	Join school sponsored clubs or participate in extracurricular activities to help you meet or befriend other students with similar interests. Make an effort to include others in conversations or activities who may feel left out to help make everyone feel valued.

Stress Management

Sample Items:

I remain calm when faced with challenges because I know how to cope with stress.
I get stressed out easily when things don’t go the way I expected.

Managing stress is a crucial skill for college success. Stress can interfere with focus, memory, and overall well-being, making it challenging to reach your academic goals. Building resilience and developing effective stress management strategies can significantly improve your college experience. Consider incorporating techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and time management into your routine. Regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are also essential for stress reduction. Your college likely offers various resources to support your well-being, including counseling services, wellness programs, and academic support centers. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you need it. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Key Learning Area	Relevant Skills	Example Actions
Stress Management: finding ways to handle or reduce stress	Self-management Problem solving Decision-making	Practice positive self-talk and focus on progress rather than perfection. Remember to take breaks when you need them, such as during longer study sessions.

This sample Student Profile Report is for informational purposes only. Learn more about the SLA at our website.