Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

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.