Toles Learning Center Mission Statement
Our mission is to enrich the NMMI culture by supporting cadets and faculty in order to enhance the overall effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. The Toles Learning Center is committed to ensuring that our students become empowered learners and achieve their educational objectives through the application of fundamentally sound academic support principles.
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Library
The Paul Horgan Library provides the information resources and services needed to the NMMI community in order to support the high school and junior college curriculum. Follow this link to visit us online.
FYEX
This course is designed to help students achieve greater success in college and in life. Students learn many proven strategies for creating greater academic, professional, and personal success. Topics covered in the course include critical/creative thinking skills, fundamental research skills, oral/written communication skills, time management, study and test-taking strategies, interpersonal skills, financial literacy, among a host of others.
Bronco Advising
The Bronco Advising Center offers academic advising using a blended model of primary-role advisors and faculty advisors who work with cadets once they have declared a concentration. Visit the Bronco Advising page for more information.
Peer Tutoring
Peer Tutors are available on a drop-in and appointment basis during regular business hours and in the evenings to provide personalized help to all cadets seeking assistance with English, Math, Science, and “specialty” courses (Humanities, Social Sciences, History, etc.), reinforcing key concepts to ensure proper learning progression and maximize academic success.
Our cadet-employees are also intended to serve as an all-encompassing resource to support students in navigating the Institute’s uniquely challenging environment. Following are some examples of the key benefits associated with this free service:
Stop by Toles 158 with any questions.
NSH
All students are given a dedicated block of time every evening before classes. We call this NSH, or Night Study Hall. It is about a three hour session that allows students time to study, get help, work with others, or just catch up with anything academic related. They may go to the library and attend tutoring sessions or meet with individuals for specific help. Math and Science labs are also available in other buildings. Some students choose to stay in their rooms and work there as well.
For those cadets who are struggling with grades, some are assigned to a Guided NSH class. This 4-week class offers them time and guidance to get back on track and necessary encouragement to correct study skills and organization. A similar program, called RAT NSH, is a four week program required for all new high school students to help them adapt to the NMMI style of learning.
Tutoring is available to all students in different ways. Peer tutors are available most of each school day, as well as every NSH session, free of charge. NMMI provides online help 24/7 to all cadets free of charge. For those students wanting outside help, pre-screened paid tutors are available for hire at student expense. Other than that, faculty provide morning help before classes on most days.
ACT Prep
ACT Prep- This course helps prepare cadets to take the American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). It is designed to build confidence and expertise by developing test-taking strategies and practice.
ACA - Academic Assistance
Academic Assistance Courses represent a cooperative initiative involving the cadets’ High School Academic Counselors and the Toles Learning Center at the New Mexico Military Institute. These courses have the primary objective of supporting cadets in their educational advancement, enabling them to make strides in their learning, bridge any gaps in their academic progress compared to their peers, attain established educational standards, and ultimately thrive within the institution.
Cadets are allocated to the Academic Assistance Courses based on a set of specific criteria that are determined through consultation with their High School Academic Counselors, taking into account their individual learning requirements. The preferred approach for assigning cadets to these courses is through proactive placement, as this method facilitates the cultivation of effective study habits among cadets. Nevertheless, cadets may also be assigned to these courses based on factors beyond proactive placement, including their academic performance and other relevant considerations.
Reading / Writing
Reading/Study Skills/Writing faculty teach a variety of foundational English language success courses:
– ELE/ESL (English Language Enrichment/English as a Second Language): High School
– Writing Workshop: Junior College and High School
– English Language & American Culture
– Reading & Study Skills: High School
Key concepts emphasized in these courses include Reading Strategies (predict, visualize, connect, question, clarify, evaluate); Literary Elements (plot, conflict, main characters, supporting characters, setting, theme, symbols); Study Skills, Time Management, and Test Taking Strategies; How to Construct an Essay (thesis, supporting evidence, grammar/punctuation, MLA Format, and in-text citations); and ESL/ELE skills focusing on primary components of the English language (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
The historically consistent increase in enrollment of international students necessitates the importance of offering English language support classes in order to ensure their academic success.
