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October 30, 2002
Students in SI sessions do better than classmates
The more students participate in the supplemental instruction program, the
better they do.
Offered through the Academic Success Center, the supplemental instruction
(SI) program provides peer-assisted study sessions to help first-year
students in traditionally difficult 100- and 200-level courses.
During the 2001-2002 academic year, students who participated in six or more
SI sessions received an average course grade of 2.9, compared to the 2.39
average of students who did not participate in any sessions, said Kari
Hensen, SI coordinator. Even students participating in some sessions (one to
five) showed an improvement in grades, with the average being 2.56.
The success of the program is not because students participating in SI
sessions are more academically capable than other students, Hensen said. In
1999-2000, students who attended SI sessions in entry level biology,
chemistry, mathematics and physics courses had a lower average ACT composite
score than non-participants, and yet their final course grades were
higher.
The SI sessions are facilitated by undergraduate students who have taken the
courses and demonstrated academic competency in the subject areas. During
the sessions, students compare notes, discuss readings, develop
organization tools and predict exam questions.
Comments from students have been positive, Hensen said. One student said,
"My first test score was an 'F.' I went to SI and my second score was a
'B-.'"
Hensen currently is accepting application for SI leaders for spring semester
courses in accounting, biology, chemistry, economics, finance, math, physics
and zoology. For more information or a job application, contact the Academic
Success Center, 1076 Student Services Building, or see the Web site.
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Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) 294-4111
Published by: University Relations,
online@iastate.edu
Copyright © 1995-2001, Iowa State University. All rights reserved.
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