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The Ally Advantage

The Ally Advantage

by Mariah Burkert

Education Christianity

Season 1

Ideal Study Space: Part 1

In this episode on the Ally Advantage Podcast, Hannah Kahn, Dr. McClenton, Kristen Slone, and Mariah Burkert discuss the complexities of creating the ideal study space. They talk about their earliest study spaces, their college work spaces, and how their study environment has evolved now that they're out of school. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Workshop Re-Release | The Faith and Learning Final: Preparing the Principles

Join Mariah Burkert as she reviews details for the final project of the gateway course, FAS 100 (Foundations of Academic Success). Resources mentioned during this workshop: Thesis Statement Workshop PowerPoint Construction Workshop How to Record a Presentation Workshop To view the video version of this workshop, check out our YouTube page!

The Writing Process: Part 2

Join Dr. McClenton, Hannah Kahn, Kristen Slone, and Mariah Burkert for a lively discussion on the writing process! In Part 2 of this episode, the team discusses ways they have made the writing process work for them, hot takes on teaching the writing process, and quick tips for students to take home.

Workshop Re-Release | Mastering Focus in a Distracted World

This workshop, led by Chantelle Patschke, provides practical strategies for mastering focus and maintaining productivity, specifically tailored for adult learners. She explains that focus is an active process managed by the prefrontal cortex (the "traffic controller" of the brain), and that developing focus helps adult learners make better use of limited time and energy, protects confidence, and allows for deeper understanding of material instead of just staying "busy." She provides specific strategies for reclaiming attention and challenges students to a two-part action plan they can implement--today! To view the video version of this workshop, check out the Ally Center YouTube page.

The Writing Process: Part 1

Join Dr. McClenton, Hannah Kahn, Kristen Slone, and Mariah Burkert for a lively discussion on the writing process! In Part 1 of this episode, the team defines the steps of the writing process and discusses how their own writing processes evolved in college. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Workshop Re-Release | From Hot Mess to Masterpiece: Outlines and Annotated Bibliographies 101

Join Kristen Slone for her workshop, "From Hot Mess to Masterpiece: Outlines and Annotated Bibliographies 101," so you can turn your scattered notes and research into a clear, confident plan for writing success. Kristen guides how to turn ideas into a polished outline that works and breaks down annotated bibliographies, showing you how to summarize, evaluate, and connect your sources without feeling overwhelmed. Resources mentioned in this episode: CRAAP Test (and other ways to evaluate sources) Outlining Resources and Templates Annotated Bibliography Resources and Samples You can also watch the video version of this workshop on our YouTube page.

Sticky Citations

In this episode, Hannah Kahn and Mariah Burkert tackle some sticky citations--both Works Cited entries and in-text citations--for MLA 9th Edition. Check out our resources on deciding if your online source is credible (or not!).

Workshop Re-Release | The One, The Only: The Thesis Statement

This workshop, led by Professor Hannah Khan, provides a guide to develop an effective thesis statement. She explains that a thesis serves as the backbone, blueprint, and road map for an entire academic paper, providing tips on what to avoid, giving a structure/formula for the thesis, and explaining how the thesis provides organization for the body paragraphs.

Workshop Re-Release | Professional, Clear, Confident: Communicating with Professors As Adult Learners

In this workshop re-release episode, Kristen Slone focuses on effective communication with professors for adult learners in the online academic setting. The workshop covered five key areas: applying workplace communication skills to academia, writing concise and professional emails, advocating for support while maintaining accountability, communicating proactively about challenges, and using email, Canvas, and office hours strategically. Kristen shared examples of poorly written emails and demonstrated proper communication techniques, emphasizing the importance of early contact, professional tone, clear subject lines, and avoiding emotional or oversharing content. She provided email templates for various situations including requesting clarification, asking for help, seeking extensions, and addressing grade questions. The session included feedback from LBC professors about what they appreciate in student communications, and concluded with information about resources available through the Ally Center for additional academic support. You can watch the video edition of this workshop on our YouTube page. Access our Time Management and Productivity resources here! Access the Email Templates here!

Research Process of Pros (Part 2)

In this episode, Hannah Kahn, Dr. Rhonda McClenton, Chantelle Patschke, Kristen Slone, and Mariah Burkert discuss how their research process has continued to evolve as they have grown as professionals in education and other areas, as well as providing some quick tips for using the LBC library. For more tips and tricks for how to navigate the LBC library, check out Mariah's workshop, "Learning the Library: How to Find Scholarly Sources without Losing Your Mind."

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