Learning and Success Centres
Learning and Success Centres are located on all Okanagan College campuses. Staff provide comprehensive learning assistance to individuals and small groups of students. Learning Coordinators support students in developing the skills needed to complete their program and become lifelong learners. Help is available in English language, reading and writing, as well as Math, Science and Trades.
Trades students
Trades students at all campuses can book appointments to work with Elke Pritchard by emailing epritchard@okanagan.bc.ca during office hours: Mon-Thu: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact a Success Centre Coordinator at your campus
Kelowna Success Centre
Coordinators may be contacted through Moodle
General email: tlckelowna@okanagan.bc.ca
Subjects: Math and Science
Kate Sidlar
Contact: ksidlar@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online
Subjects: Math and Science
Alex Hanna
Contact: ahanna@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: online
Subjects: Academic writing, English, Communications and English Language Learning
Lynn Sinclair
Contact: lsinclair@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online
Book an appointment with Lynn online
Kelowna Trades Success Centre
Subjects: Trades
Elke Pritchard
Contact: epritchard@okanagan.bc.ca or 250-762-5445 ext. 4677
Hours: Monday to Thurday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online or Kelowna Trades Success Centre T118
Book an appointment with Elke online
Subjects: Academic writing, English and Communications
Michelle Burfitt
Contact: mburfitt@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online
Book an appointment with Michelle online
Vernon Student Success Centre
Connect with co-ordinators Vernon Success Centre through Moodle
Subjects: Math and Science
Philip Schellenberg
Contact: PJSchellenberg@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online
Subjects: English and essay writing
Trystan Carter
Contact: englishsuccess@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: online
Book an appointment with Trystan online
Penticton Student Success Centre
Connect with the Penticton Success Centre by Moodle
Subjects: English and Writing
Brittany Houston
Contact: bhouston@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: online
Book an appointment with Brittany online
Subjects: Math, Statistics and Physics
Barbara Lacy
Contact: blacy@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: online
Book an appointment with Barbara online
Salmon Arm Success Centre
Connect with the Salmon Arm Success Centre by Moodle
Subjects: Writing, English, Spanish and study skills
Joaquim Camps
Contact: jcamps@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 5 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m.
Subjects: Math, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Dani Valgardson
Contact: dvalgardson@okanagan.bc.ca
Hours:
- Monday: 9 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Friday: noon to 2 p.m.
Get help with these subjects
All co-ordinators specializing in English and writing can help you with reading comprehension and study skills. They also support essay writing skill development, including thesis statements, organization and cohesion, paragraph focus and development, introductions and conclusions, integrating and citing sources. Editing and proofreading strategies, as well as common grammar errors, can also be reviewed.
Math and Statistics support covers a broad range of fields, including basic math, calculus, statistics, finite math, second-year math and business math. Science support covers studies in physics, biology and chemistry. All co-ordinators specializing in Math and Science can help with upgrading, first-year math and statistics.
Are you taking upgrading classes in math or science right now? Support is available to you as well.
Help with Business courses is provided by peer mentors. You can access peer mentors through any Success Centre Moodle page.
There is help available in a variety of subjects:
- Computer Science
- English as a Second Language
- Human Kinetics
- Language learning strategies
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Water Engineering Technology
Reach out for help in your campus Success Centre Moodle page for a referral to a subject expert or peer mentor.
Online study resources
Word power
Grammar, punctuation and style
Research and citations
Types of essays
Parts of an essay
- Creating an Essay Outline
- Thesis Statements
- Introductions and Conclusions
- Paragraphs
- Editing
- Essay Checklist
Writing and grammar practice
- Essay Writing Practice
- Forum Response Practice I
- Forum Response Practice II
- English Usage Practice / English Usage Practice Key
- Sentence Structure Practice I / Sentence Structure Practice I Key
- Sentence Structure Practice II / Sentence Structure Practice II Key
- Sentence Structure Practice III / Sentence Structure Practice III Key
Evidence and proof
Language and mechanics
Business documents
Business communications
Language skills
- Reading
- Speaking
- Speaking - Multi-Level
- Academic Word List
- Pronunciation - Video
- Spelling Rules
- Grammar Reference
- Idiom Site
- Frequently Used Words
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading
- Speaking & Pronunciation
- Listening
Test preparation
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Language Proficiency Index (LPI)
- Canadian Listening & Speaking Test (CELPIP)
- TOEFL & TOEIC
- Cambridge Exams
Language practice
Biology
- Anatomy
- Anatomy and Physiology - Lessons and Practice
- Khan Academy - Introductory Biology
- Biology videos
- Online resources on a variety of topics
- Biology Animations 2
- Biological Animations 3
Chemistry
- Periodic Table
- Chemistry Animation and Quizzes
- Chemistry Tutorials
- Khan Academy Chemistry
- General Chemistry Textbook
- General Chemistry Textbook - Openstax
- Organic Chemistry Learning Modules
Physics
Practice worksheets
Find worksheets for Math, Chemistry, Physics topics and proficiency tests.
Proficiency testing
Proficiency tests are administered through the Testing Centre. Information about the proficiency testing process and practice tests can be found below.
General information
Students may write the following diagnostic tests in the Testing Centre to meet admission requirements for specific Okanagan College courses or programs. See the course calendar for specific requirements.
- Basic Algebra Proficiency Test
- Calculus Readiness Test
- Business Math Proficiency Test (formerly MDT)
- Math 11 Proficiency Test
- Math 12 Proficiency Test
Test-taking process
- Download a copy of the appropriate practice test, see section below, or contact the Learning Centre Coordinator to receive a copy (available for pick up at the Learning Centre or via email).
- When you feel you are ready to write the test, contact the Testing Centre.
- On the day of the test, arrive on time and with pen/pencil, photo identification and a calculator (if permitted).
- In most cases, you will receive your results as soon as you are finished the test.
Taking tests out of town
If you live out of area you can arrange to write the exam at another location by doing the following:
- Contact an educational institution in your area and arrange an appointment to write the test.
- Provide your invigilator with the email address kelownatesting@okanagan.bc.ca.
- The invigilator must contact the Testing Centre to arrange for the test to be sent and to discuss testing protocol.
- On the day of the test, arrive on time and with pen/pencil, photo identification and a calculator (if permitted).
- When the exam is complete, the invigilator can email or fax the test back to the Testing Center for marking.
Practice proficiency tests
Sample exam questions are available for the following exams:
- Basic Algebra Test (includes list of topics)
- Calculus Readiness (includes list of topics)
- Math 11 Proficiency Exam (Additional Topics)
- Math 12 Proficiency Exam (Additional Topics)
- Business Math Proficiency Test (formerly MDT) (includes list of topics)
- Trades ABLE Test