Laurie Huffman, Catrena
Lisse, Jeanne Haslam, Lisa Buttita, Rosalie Richards
Proposal Abstract (60 words or fewer)
This session is designed for
participants new to Supplemental Instruction (SI) or already acquainted with
non-remedial, peer-facilitated learning opportunities. After a brief
introduction to our SI Program at Georgia College, members of an SI Teaching Circle
will facilitate a discussion with conference participants on the benefits and
challenges of the program from the perspective of our students, supplemental
instructors and our faculty.
Proposal Description – Include session
objectives, audience participation
At Georgia College, a robust
STEM Supplemental Instruction Program is targeting
entry level STEM courses, those traditionally identified as “gateway” courses
to STEM and related careers. The Program provides non-remedial
peer-facilitated tutoring/study sessions by qualified, trained undergraduate
students (SI). SIs attend the classes of the
students they encourage and mentor in a given course. During supplemental
instruction, the student learners build new knowledge in collaboration with
peers while the SI affirms her knowledge and builds confidence, leadership and
communication skills. Georgia College has supported supplemental instruction
over the years towards increasing retention in challenging STEM courses. In the
biological sciences, for example, supplemental instruction was identified as a
leading factor in the 30% reduction in DFW rates in BIOL 2100 “Genetics” during
an eight year study. With the advent the Georgia College STEM Initiative and centralized supplemental instruction at the Learning Center,
a group of faculty and staff created a teaching circle dedicated to integrating
best practices in supplemental instruction into a vibrant program.
The primary goal for this session is to establish collaborations with campuses that have Supplemental Instruction Programs or those interested in building new ones. After a brief introduction to the Georgia College program, presenters will use case studies from their Supplemental Instructor Mini-Guide to stimulate discussion on the benefits and challenges of supplemental instruction from the perspective of students, supplemental instructors and faculty. Presenters will also highlight a novel collaboration among faculty members, the Learning Center director, and the Georgia College STEM Initiative coordinators to demonstrate how faculty-led networks to champion best practices in supplemental instruction can be integrated into the culture of any institution.
The primary goal for this session is to establish collaborations with campuses that have Supplemental Instruction Programs or those interested in building new ones. After a brief introduction to the Georgia College program, presenters will use case studies from their Supplemental Instructor Mini-Guide to stimulate discussion on the benefits and challenges of supplemental instruction from the perspective of students, supplemental instructors and faculty. Presenters will also highlight a novel collaboration among faculty members, the Learning Center director, and the Georgia College STEM Initiative coordinators to demonstrate how faculty-led networks to champion best practices in supplemental instruction can be integrated into the culture of any institution.
