Supplemental Instruction / Video Supplemental Instruction
Annotated Bibliography
Revised April, 2009
International Center for Supplemental Instruction
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Center for Academic Development
5014 Rockhill Road, SASS Building 210
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1174
(816) 235-5156 (FAX)
http://www.umkc.edu/cad/si/
Note to Reader: When possible, original text from the author's document overview or summary paragraphs were used in this annotated bibliography. If the reader is aware of other SI/VSI publications not included in this document or have suggestions for corrections to the annotations, please contact Marion Stone at 816-235-5758, E-mail: stonema@umkc.edu
Due to copyright limitations, we are not able to provide copies of articles cited in this list. Please consult your local library for instructions on how to obtain the articles in which you are interested.
Table of Contents
Section One: Dissertations and Thesis Papers
Anker, E. O. (1991).
Supplemental
Instruction: An answer for the at-risk student in a high-risk course?
Unpublished Master's of Arts (M.A.T.) thesis, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI.
Available: Interlibrary loan from Calvin College and Theological Seminary, Grand
Rapids, MI.
This research paper studied the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) during
Spring 1991 at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Areas for study included:
final course grades for "at risk" students; and relationships among the level of
SI attendance, academic ability, and final course grades. Special admit "at
risk" students were the focus of the study. A study skills class was paired with
a content course (e.g., History 101) in Fall 1990 to provide academic assistance
for students. The at risk students were required to enroll in the non-credit
course. Thirteen special admit students from Fall 1990 were enrolled in the
paired class. In Spring 1991 seven special admit students instead participated
in SI rather than being enrolled in a paired study skills class. There was no
significant difference regarding final course grades. Individual SI attendance
for SI ranged from three to 17 for the 18 sessions offered during Spring 1991.
The mean average was 8.7 sessions. There was a positive correlation between
higher levels of attendance and higher academic achievement. The researcher
suggested that SI was more helpful to participating students than a paired study
skills course.
Ashwin, P. W. H. (1993).
Supplemental
Instruction: Does it enhance the student experience of higher education?
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Kingston University, London, England
This doctoral dissertation is concerned with the student experience of Higher
Education in Britain that is influenced by Supplemental Instruction (SI). The
qualitative research study of SI's impact in two classes (Applied Social Science
and Computer Science) at Kingston University (UK) included interviews with SI
leaders and questionnaires of first year students who were enrolled in the two
classes. The purpose of this case study was to examine to what extent the
educational theory of SI was matched by the student experience of it.
Qualitative research suggests that SI was beneficial to students who took
advantage of the service. SI leaders listed the following benefits of the
program for themselves: increased confidence, greater sense of community between
different years of the course, greater understanding of the material they were
facilitating, and increased interest by potential employers because of the
cocurriculuar nature of the SI leader experience.
Campbell, M. L. (1994). The cognitive effect of Supplemental Instruction on student achievement in general biology. Unpublished Master's of Education thesis (M.Ed.), Slippery Rock University, PA: Available: Interlibrary loan from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
Carson, D., & Plaskitt, N. (1994).
A
descriptive study of the attitudes of first year students at the University of
Port Elizabeth toward Supplemental Instruction and evaluation thereof.
Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth,
Republic of South Africa.
This dissertation study of Supplemental Instruction (SI) was conducted at the
University of Port Elizabeth in the Republic of South Africa. The study examined
students' perceptions of the effectiveness of SI in helping them to acquire
skills such as critical thinking, essay writing, and reading of textbooks. The
study surveyed Sociology and Economics students' perceptions of the values of SI
and found that students perceived four main reasons why SI is effective:
improvement of learning ability; increased interest in the subject; a forum to
meet new friends; and SI leader support. A need for greater structure within SI
sessions was offered as the most common response for improvement of SI.
Clark, L. R.
Outcomes of Supplemental
Instruction for History 1310 and 1320 at Southwest Texas State University.
Unpublished Masters of Arts Thesis, Southwest Texas State University, San
Marcos, TX. Available: Interlibrary loan from Albert B. Alkek Library, Southwest
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.
This study sheds light on the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in
achieving student academic goals, enhancing student performance in difficult
entry level college classes and impacting the success of students with varying
abilities between Fall 1995 and Spring 1997 at Southwest Texas State University
in History 1310 and History 1320. SI participants out-performed non-SI
participants on the three academic outcomes examined: final course grades (mean
grade difference: 2.91 vs. 2.17 and rate of A, B, or C: 95.5% vs. 73.3%), D or F
course rates (18.9% vs. 37.0%), and institutional persistence (81.1% vs. 63.0%).
SI attendance was defined as attending five or more times during the academic
term. SI was equally effective with general (2.91 vs. 2.17), non-traditional
(2.89 vs. 2.44) and part-time (2.78 vs. 1.90) populations. This research also
indicated minority students participated in SI in greater proportions than
non-minority students. A significant cross-over or repeat SI population was
found. This research concluded that participation in SI result in higher final
course grades and successful course completion; the resulting grade improvement
is reflected in improved retention (84.2% vs. 72.6%). The researcher noted that
the impact of SI may be understated due to analysis of entry level
characteristics of the students that suggest that the SI participants tend to be
less academically prepared than the non-SI participants (lower high school rank
and SAT scores).
Collins, N., & Ronaldson, A. (1995).
Supplemental Instruction: Its effectiveness within the ambit of the Social Work
Department of the University of Port Elizabeth. Unpublished doctoral
dissertation, University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth, Republic of South
Africa.
This dissertation examines the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
the University of Port Elizabeth in the Republic of South Africa. This study
replicates findings from a dissertation by Carson and Plaskitt (1994) from the
same institution. Two additional reasons were identified by Collins and
Ronaldson concerning reasons for the effectiveness of SI: easy participation in
SI sessions and adjustment to university life. They concluded that the focus of
SI correlates with the needs of students and that SI has helped students to
develop important skills, for example, understanding key concepts, lecture note
taking, understanding the textbooks and exam preparation. Depending upon the
structure of the course, SI participants reported wanting varying levels of
structure during the SI sessions. Some students wanted open agendas for the
group to select the areas covered and processes used. Other students reported
wanting more structure in the SI sessions from the SI leader.
Davis, E. E. (1999).
Student mentors:
Experiences of being a Supplemental Instruction leader. Unpublished Master
of Science Thesis, Indiana University.
The purpose of this Master Thesis was to examine the experience of serving as a
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader upon the individual at Indiana University
Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). A qualitative research study was
conducted of SI leaders during Fall 1997. Some common benefits cited were
improved: communication skills, problem solving skills, subject matter
knowledge, people skills, friendships, knowledge of campus layout and resources,
time management skills, involvement and knowledge of campus activities,
leadership skills, and feelings of connection to the campus. Some mentioned that
SI opened doors to new experiences that drew them closer to their desired career
goal.
Douma, S. R. (1988).
Supplemental Instruction:
An alternate approach. Unpublished master's thesis (M.S.), Mankato State
University, Mankato, MN. Available: Interlibrary loan from Mankato State
University, Mankato, MN.
This Master of Science thesis study from 1986 had two purposes. The first was to
provide a descriptive review of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program (e.g.,
program overview, SI leader training program). The second purpose of the study
was to evaluate the effects of SI at Southwest State University (MN) during Fall
1986, Winter 1987 and Spring 1987. Between 36 to 42 percent of students
participated in the SI program. Findings include the following: 1) SI
participants earned a higher final course grade. F86, 2.34 vs. 2.01, W87, 2.31
vs. 2.01, S87, 2.55 vs. 2.04. 2) SI participants earned a higher rate of A and B
final course grades. F86, 42% vs. 31%, W87, 41% vs. 35%, S87, 54% vs. 36%. 3) SI
participants earned a lower rate of D and F final course grades or withdrawals:
F86, 21% vs. 33%, W87, 21% vs. 35%, S87, 19% vs. 35%. Several data tables from
an article by Blanc, DeBuhr, and
Martin (1983) are reproduced in this report. Individual course reports from
Southwest State University that were used to generate the previous summary
research studies are included: Natural Science, Biology I, Food for Thought,
Everyday Chemicals, Accounting I, Introductory Algebra, Business Statistics I,
General Psychology I, A.C. Circuits, Critical Thinking, and General Biology II.
Eberling, D. J. (1998). A comparison of the
effectiveness of study strategies instruction with community college students
(Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D., University of Houston, 1998).
Dissertation
Abstracts International, 59(03), 705A
College students who use study strategies effectively are more successful in
school than are those who are unaware of study strategies, or who use such
strategies infrequently. There is a relationship between poor performance in
school and inadequate study strategies. Fortunately, study strategies can be
taught. The purpose of this dissertation study was to investigate the relation
between grade point average and study habits and attitudes. Also, to examine the
effectiveness of a study strategies course and the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program with community college students ' study habits and attitudes. Volunteers
for the study completed a pre and post test of the Survey of Study Habits and
Attitudes (SSHA). Small sample size (n=10) may have played a role in clouding
results of the research. Most students refused to participate in the study by
permitting access to course grades and other vital information variables. With
this SI program, attendance in SI sessions was not tracked and therefore the
quantity of SI attendance was not available as an independent variable which has
been used with many other published studies. With the small remaining group of
voluntary study participants, a comparison of the students' grade point average
and scores on the SSHA did not reveal significance. The scores on the SSHA and
the comparison between the study strategies course and the SI program revealed
no significant difference between the treatment groups.
Edelson, M. (1996). A student's experience of the Supplemental Instruction programme and the first year of university: A case study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa.
Fisher, J. E. (1997). Effects of Supplemental
Instruction on undergraduate academic achievement, motivational orientation, and
learning strategies (Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D., Auburn University, 1997).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 58(10), 3831A
Examined in this dissertation study were the effects of participation in a
Supplemental Instruction (SI) program on student academic achievement,
motivational orientation, and learning strategies in a core psychology course at
Auburn University. Participants in this study were 381 undergraduate students
divided into one treatment and two comparison groups. Students in the treatment
group participated in SI outside of regular class time once a week for 9 weeks.
Both the treatment and comparison groups were administered four items: a course
content knowledge pretest, the Halpin and Halpin Demographic Survey (1996), the
Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (1994), and a course content
knowledge posttest. Both the pretest and posttest were teacher-made tests
assessing knowledge of course content. An initial cross-tabulation frequency
distribution followed by a chi-square supported the assumption that the two
groups were equal on course entry demographic variables. An analysis of variance
(ANOVA) conducted with pretest scores revealed that there were no significant
differences across groups in pre-entry content knowledge prior to the treatment.
Once the study was completed, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was
conducted revealing that there were differences between the groups. On two
variables, peer learning and help seeking, significant differences were found in
favor of the SI treatment group. The groups did not differ on the other
motivation and learning strategies subscales or on the posttest measuring
academic achievement. Several research design features were unusual with this
study. Most SI studies limit possible variables that might influence student
achievement. Therefore, most research designs limit analysis to a single course,
one course instructor, one SI leader, analysis of actual course grades, and
provide no additional academic enrichment activities in the class. Numerous
limitations were listed by the researcher in the dissertation. 1) The actual
final course grades of the students were not used, but rather a teacher-made
posttest that was one part of the final course grade. 2) To increase sample
size, additional sections of the same course were added to the study even
through SI was not available to them and the course sections were taught by
other professors who may employ different approaches to the curriculum, grading,
and instructional delivery. 3) Ten SI leaders were employed in one course
section. 4) All students in the course also participated in mandatory discussion
sessions conducted each week. Fifteen graduate teaching assistants conducted
these sessions in the three course sections. 5) All students who scored high on
the course pretest were given an "A" final course grade and were dismissed from
the course. This excluded their potential involvement in SI sessions and
providing additional successful student modeling other than the SI leader. 6)
Students were not allowed to attend SI sessions more than once a week. Students
who needed additional help were denied the assistance. 7) Since the pre/post
test was teacher-made, there is no way to judge its validity as an instrument.
8) The final exam was optional for students. If students already had an "A"
average, they could skip the exam, therefore they were then excluded from the
study. Students who needed a few points to earn a "B" only needed to correctly
answer enough questions on the posttest exam to earn a "B" final grade, even
though they might have earned a "D" or "F" on the final exam.
Hibbert, T. D. (1996).
Taking study skills to
the classroom: Supplemental Instruction as an integral part of college courses.
Unpublished Master's of Arts (M.A.) thesis, University of Texas at El Paso.
Available: Interlibrary loan from the University of Texas at El Paso.
This paper studied the impact of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of Texas at El Paso during Fall 1994 and 1995 in three Sociology Statistics
classes and three Sociology Methods of Research classes with a total student
enrollment of 269 students. These sections were chosen since the same instructor
taught the three sections in each subject -- controlling for the possibility of
different teaching styles. The three dependent variables studied were final
course grade, semester grade point average, and re-enrollment at the university
the following academic term. The classes included in this study had D, F or
withdrawal rates of 32 to 38 percent before providing the SI program. During
Fall 1994 the researcher conducted a mandatory study session connected with each
section of the sociology classes. These mandatory sessions occurred during one
class period each week. In one course section the researcher conducted a
traditional SI session. In the other section of the same course the researcher
allowed the enrolled students to guide the session. The researcher served as a
discussion facilitator. The results were mixed regarding the improvement of
semester grade point averages. In the statistics course the SI group had a
higher subsequent semester GPA (2.86 vs. 2.57). In the methods course the
results slightly favored the non-SI group (1.98 vs. 1.90). The same pattern
emerged regarding final course grades. In the statistics course the SI group had
higher academic performance (percent A & B, 41.3% vs. 32.6%; D, F & W, 32.0% vs.
30.4%; mean final grade, 73.66 vs. 72.2). In the methods class the non-SI group
had higher achievement (percent A & B, 55.0% vs. 48.9%; D, F, & W, 20.0% vs.
26.5%; mean final grade, 76.4 vs. 73.8). An abbreviated version of the Whimbey
Analytical Skills Inventory (8 items rather than 38) and a math assessment test
was administered to all students at the beginning and the end of the academic
term. No significant differences were found. Analysis of student journals
suggested increased confidence and enjoyment of the course content due to the
experience of the supplemental study review sessions provided through both the
traditional SI and the informal student-led sessions. The researcher postulated
several possible reasons for no significant difference between the SI group and
the informal student study groups: (1) since the same person facilitated the SI
sessions and the informal student study group (non-SI) some SI activities may
have been utilized during the non-SI group sessions; (2) the SI facilitator also
provided additional tutorial help to the non-SI group throughout the academic
term.
Hodges, R. B. (1997). The effect of
self-monitoring strategies and verbal prompts on high-risk students' attendance
in tutoring and Supplemental Instruction and their academic achievement
(Doctoral dissertation, Ed.D., Grambling State University, 1997).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 59(02), 0429A
The study investigated the effect of high-risk students' self-monitoring (SM)
strategies and instructors' use of verbal prompts on high-risk students'
attendance in tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) and on their academic
achievement. Subjects consisted of 103 conditionally admitted contract students
at Southwest Texas State University during fall 1996. Using an experimental
posttest-only control-group design, instructors in four freshman seminar classes
implemented different combinations of treatment. In Treatment 1, subjects were
required to self-monitor their attendance in tutoring and SI, and they received
verbal prompts from their instructors to attend free tutoring and SI. In
Treatment 2, subjects were required to self-monitor their attendance in tutoring
and SI but were not given verbal prompts. In Treatment 3, subjects received
verbal prompts to attend tutoring and SI but were not required to self-monitor
their attendance. In the control group, subjects were not required to
self-monitor their attendance in tutoring and SI and were not exposed to verbal
prompts. A validation analysis of the effectiveness of tutoring and SI compared
subjects attending one or more tutoring sessions and one or more SI sessions to
those not attending. Using independent t-tests, the results indicated no
significant group differences occurred in semester GPA between attendees and
nonattendees in tutoring but did find statistically significant group difference
in semester GPA for attendees in SI. Three hypotheses examined the relationship
between subjects' use of SM strategies and instructors' use of verbal prompts on
subjects' attendance in tutoring and SI. Two ANOVAs failed to reject the three
null hypotheses which indicated that there was no increased in subjects'
attendance in tutoring and SI between groups. SI attendance for this
subpopulation of students was low (mean=2.27 with S.D.=3.37) when compared with
national SI data studies. The researcher suggested the following reasons for low
SI attendance based on student surveys and interviews: SI sessions scheduled at
time in conflict with other student commitments; high-risk students have
unrealistic positive perceptions regarding their own academic skills and may not
seek help; and high-risk students need stronger external influences to change
their behavior including the requirement of mandatory SI attendance. The
researcher suggests increased attention to the affective domain and its possible
impact upon student learning and the use of mandatory attendance in academic
enrichment programs such as SI and tutoring.
Hurley, M. “Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI): An Interactive Delivery System that Facilitates Student Learning.” Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Department of Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2000.
Jarvi, S. W. (1998). A quantitative and
qualitative examination of Supplemental Instruction and its relationship to
student performance (collaborative learning, academic support) (Doctoral
dissertation, Ph.D., The University of Connecticut, 1998).
Dissertation
Abstracts International, 59(05), 1484A
Academic support programs are well entrenched on virtually every college campus.
These programs have not always been warmly received, however, and their place on
many campuses is a source of constant debate. They have to be evaluated
effectively and often to determine if they are achieving their intended goals
and contributing to the overall mission of the institution. Supplemental
Instruction (SI) is one example of a support program because it utilizes peers
to foster a collaborative learning environment and targets high risk classes as
opposed to high risk students. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were
employed in this study. The sample for the quantitative component included 2,295
cases of a student completing 1 of 12 introductory level Biology or Chemistry
courses in which SI was offered at a large New England Research University. From
the total sample, 860 students attended at least one SI session. Qualitative
techniques were employed to collect data from both participants and
non-participants of SI during one semester. Direct regression where the
independent variables of Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, cumulative grade point
average, semester standing, and level of SI participation. The dependent
variable was student performance in the class as measured by average exam
scores. Analyses of data found that in 7 of 12 classes involved, level of
participation in SI explained a significant additional amount of variation in
exam scores with accompanying large effect sizes. Qualitative findings revealed
core categories related to why students attend SI: belief that SI attendance
helps to raise test scores; SI sessions were fun and made participants feel more
comfortable; students liked SI since it gave an opportunity to work in teams
with other students; enabled attendees to stay academically competitive; and
sometimes SI sessions compensated for poor lectures. The two major reasons for
students not participating in SI were that time constraints precluded attendance
and the other reason was a belief that SI attendance was unnecessary.
Kastelic, J. (1997).
Adjunct study skills: An
integrated, student-centered approach to learning in community college.
Unpublished Master's of Arts (M.A.) thesis, University of San Francisco.
This research report describes one academic study skills program offered at a
community college in northern California. It presents a variety of data to show
how this integrated, student-centered, collaborative-based adjunct program
affected the immediate and long term academic performance and study behaviors of
its multicultural, multilingual participants. Students who enrolled in the
target course in political science and concurrently completed its corresponding
adjunct course over a three quarter period participated in this study. The
adjunct course (Skills 130A/PS) was a variation of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) model. Students must attend at least seven weekly sessions and complete
four independent study skills labs. SI leaders facilitate the adjunct course
which carries academic credit and can generate extra credit points for the
linked political science course (Political Science 1). A qualitative and
quantitative study was conducted. The students enrolled in linked adjunct course
earned higher rates of A & B final course grades, lower rates of D, F & W
grades, and increased levels of study skills abilities as compared with students
who did not enroll in the adjunct course.
Kenney, P. A. (1989). Effects of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) on student performance in a college-level mathematics course
(Doctoral dissertation Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin, 1988).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 50(02), 378A. (University Microfilms,
No. 8909688).
This doctoral dissertation describes a research study that used Supplemental
Instruction (SI) in a first-semester calculus course for business and economics
majors at the University of Texas at Austin. The experimental design for this
study used Campbell and Stanley's Nonequivalent Control Group model. The study
used two lecture classes with the same instructor. Each class was divided into
two discussion sections, and of those, one from each received the SI treatment.
In the control sections the teaching assistant performed typical duties. In the
SI sections the assistant performed the same duties but in addition she provided
instruction on the study skills relevant to the course as it progressed and
other activities that SI leaders would perform or facilitate. The results showed
a statistically significant difference favoring the SI treatment group: the
control group mean course grade point average of 2.43 and that for the treatment
group of 3.00; the control group mean semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.51
and that for the treatment group GPA of 2.95. A multiple linear regression model
was then chosen as a more complete method of analysis. Three of the independent
variables had coefficients which were significant at the .05 level -- high
school class rank, discussion section attendance, and control/treatment group
membership. This helps to answer the question of whether SI was just a form of
"double exposure" to the course content. Since SI sessions were qualitatively
different than the traditional discussion sections (as evaluated by outside
observers using a observation protocol) and that the students who participated
in the SI sessions earned higher mean final course grades, it appears that SI
sessions were more than double exposure. A multiple regression analysis of
semester grade point average found that three of the variables were significant
at the .05 level -- the SAT Mathematical score, discussion section attendance,
and group membership. Controlling for exposure, it was suggested that these
gains were due to the benefits of SI, not to the increased exposure of the group
to course material. To investigate any residual effects from the SI program, the
students from the initial study were tracked for an additional semester. Results
from the follow-up study showed that students who had experienced SI had a
pattern of fewer F grades in and withdrawals from the second-semester business
calculus course. Of the 26 students who failed or withdrew from the original
calculus course, former SI participants were more likely to immediately reenroll
in the course (six students) than the non-SI participants (one student). Another
study focused on the academic performance of SI and non-SI participants in a
succeeding academic term in courses where SI was not offered. Former SI
participants earned no F grades or withdrew from the second-semester business
calculus course. The former SI participants earned a slightly higher mean final
course grade (2.63 vs. 2.48), though it was not a statistically significant
difference. The researcher speculates that the absence of SI with the second
calculus course may had a bigger impact on former SI participants -- narrowing
the positive difference in academic achievement with the control group -- since
a support service which they were used to accessing was not available in the
next course in the sequence.
Kotze, G. S. (1994).
Essentials of a program
for Supplemental Instruction as academic support for technikon students in
mathematics courses at entry-level. Unpublished doctoral dissertation,
Faculty of Education (Department of Diadactics) at the University of the Orange
Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.
This Doctor of Philosophy dissertation is focused on the effectiveness of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) with postsecondary students in entry-level
mathematics courses at an institution in the Republic of South Africa. The SI
model was evaluated regarding its effectiveness with providing the necessary
psychological, philosophical, educational, and sociological components that can
contribute towards successful mathematics mastery. Through qualitative and
quantitative evaluations, the SI model was found to support increased academic
achievement and mastery of mathematical concepts.
Lilley, L. L. (1997). Retention of racial-ethnic
minority students within Virginia baccalaureate schools of nursing (nursing
education) (Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D., George Mason University, 1997).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 58(07), 3559B
The purpose of this dissertation research study was to examine the relationship
between retention strategies and retention rates of racial-ethnic minority
baccalaureate nursing students attending public universities and colleges within
the State of Virginia. Tinto's Model of Student Departure was used as the
framework for the study. A cross-sectional one-part mailed survey design was
used for this study. A descriptive methodology was used to summarize and
describe the data. Qualitative comments were also analyzed for themes about
retention. Statistically significant findings included: lack of close tracking
of retention of racial-ethnic minority students by the schools; no statistical
significance between the variable of retention problems and the variables of
tutoring for racial-ethnic minority students; and fewer than 37% of the schools
had Supplemental Instruction or related programs available at the department or
school level, although they may have been offered elsewhere on campus.
Maloney, R. S. (1992).
The Supplemental
Instruction program as an alternative field experience for secondary education
majors. Unpublished undergraduate honors thesis (Bachelor of Science with
Honors in Education), University of New Orleans, LA. Available: Interlibrary
loan from the University of New Orleans, LA.
The College of Education at the University of New Orleans, LA (UNO) requires all
education majors to complete twenty five hours of a Professional Laboratory
Experience (PLE), which has traditionally been as a teacher aide in an area high
school, prior to the student teaching experience. The goal of the PLE is to
provide a varied and enriching teaching experience for prospective student
teachers. The primary purpose of this study is to study the use of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) in College Life sections of English 0150 during Fall 1991 to
provide an effective alternative field experience for secondary education majors
prior to student teaching. Students were divided into two groups: one group
served as SI leaders in the English course and the other group were placed in
the traditional high school teacher aide position. Surveys were given to the
secondary education majors -- those who completed their PLE at the high school
and those who served as SI leaders at the college -- prior to and at the
completion of their PLE (course name EDCI 3205) to measure their preparedness to
perform specific teaching tasks. The results suggest that there is a greater
change in preparedness levels for those who participated as SI leaders in the
following areas: lesson preparation (write performance objectives, choose
appropriate materials, vary methodology, allocate time for content coverage,
construct evaluation instruments, and provide feedback of assessment and
evaluation results); classroom management (manage time, mange classroom
routines, maintain student engagement, manage task related behavior, and monitor
and maintain student behavior); and instructional skills (initiate lessons and
activities, provide accurate content information, emphasize essential elements
of content knowledge, and implement learning activities at an appropriate pace).
The researcher suggested that one of the reasons for the significant gains for
the SI leaders was that they had more power to select and experiment with
activities. The high school teaching aides were limited by the cooperating high
school teacher. Based upon analysis of the data, the researcher suggests that SI
can serve as an alternative experience for education majors.
McGinty, D. A. (1990). A path analysis of the
effects of multiple programs on student persistence: dormitory residence,
orientation, tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (Doctoral dissertation Ph.D.,
The University of Texas at Austin, 1989). Dissertation Abstracts
International, 51(02), 368A. (University Microfilms No. 9016936).
The models of Spady and Tinto depict student dropout as the result of an
inadequate integration into the social and academic systems of the college. This
doctoral dissertation research study hypothesizes that persistence for the
traditional freshman at a large university is based on background
characteristics (gender, ethnicity, rank in high school, aptitude, and college
enrolled in) and variables of the academic environment (tutoring, Supplemental
Instruction, student orientation, living in residence hall, and grade point
average). The model hypothesizes that the academic environment variables have
important direct and indirect effects. These four academic programs are
described in the literature as promoting student retention. This dissertation
researched the effect each program has on student persistence as well as the
effect of participation in multiple programs. Path analysis was selected to
explain the interactive process of the variables. Multiple regression analysis
was used to investigate the strength and direction of the relationships in the
path model. It is postulated that the impact of the SI program may have been
diminished due to the low number of SI participants (55 of the 560 students in
the overall study) which may have clouded results during data analysis. There
were moderately significant differences for residence hall, Supplemental
Instruction, and the combined effects of orientation and dorm and GPA. SI
participants with lower SAT scores performed at academic levels similar to
non-SI participants who had higher SAT scores. Further exploratory analyses
indicate that the different retention programs have varying effects on students
based on ability and past performance levels. The results suggest that retention
programs should be targeted at specific populations based on ability and past
performance levels.
McGrath, E. T. (1988).
Supplemental
Instruction: A study of its efficacy on the Greenville College campus.
Unpublished master's thesis, Greenville College, IL.
The purpose of this master's thesis study from Fall 1986 and Spring 1987 was to
evaluate the effects of Supplemental Instruction at Greenville College (IL)
regarding: 1) mastery of course content (SI participants earned a higher final
course grade -- 3.16 vs. 2.66 -- and a lower rate of D, F and withdrawal final
course grades than nonparticipants (ratio of 3:4); 2) transference of learning
skills from one course to another (former SI participants received a higher cum
GPA in succeeding academic terms than nonparticipants, 3.14 vs. 2.66); and 3)
higher course and institutional retention rates (97 percent for SI participants
vs. 83 percent for nonparticipants).
McManus, S. M. (1992).
The relationship
between Supplemental Instruction and student achievement in university
mathematics courses. Unpublished Master's of Science (M.S.) thesis, North
Carolina State University at Raleigh. Available: Interlibrary loan from North
Carolina State University at Raleigh.
The relationship between Supplemental Instruction (SI) and student achievement
during Fall 1990 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NCSU) was the
focus of this study. The target population was 198 freshmen and sophomore
students enrolled in entry-level mathematics courses at NCSU. During the
academic term, 60 students attended one or more times (SI group) while 138
students chose not to attend any SI sessions (non-SI group). Students were
enrolled in two sections of Math 241, a second-semester calculus course that was
taught by the same professor. The initial section of the paper provides a review
of the professional literature concerning SI. The author traces the importance
of the following in understanding the unique method of SI: Piaget's
constructivism, cooperative learning, student questioning skills, and study
strategies. A Pearson Product Moment correlation (r = -.1771) and a Multiple
Regression Analysis found no significant relationship between the number of SI
sessions attended and final course grade. However, students who attended 5 or
more SI sessions steadily increased throughout the academic term while the
scores of other SI participants fluctuated. The researcher postulates that this
suggests the beneficial effect of frequent SI attendance for improving academic
performance. A t-test used found that students attending the SI sessions
received statistically significantly higher final course grades than those who
did not attend (mean final course grade: 86.44 vs. 77.62; t = 2.95, df = 194, p
< .01). Following is a comparison between the SI and non-SI groups for each of
the course exams. In each comparison the SI group earned higher mean grades:
test 1: 76.41 vs. 71.92; test 2: 83.57 vs. 77.01; test 3: 87.57 vs. 79.06; test
4: 83.24 vs. 70.87; test 5: 86.12 vs. 78.82; final exam: 75.31 vs. 67.33; final
course grade: 86.45 vs. 77.62. Each comparison was statistically significant
except for test 1.
Merwin, D. D. (1991). A comparative analysis of
two tutoring methods assessing student achievement and retention (Doctoral
dissertation Ed.D., Montana State University, 1990).
Dissertation Abstracts
International, 52(02), 438A. (University Microfilms No. 9109700).
The purpose of this doctoral dissertation research study was to compare the
effectiveness of two tutoring methods with regard to achievement and retention
for high-risk undergraduate students at Northern Montana College (Havre, MT)
enrolled in English 150 during the 1986-87 academic school year (eleven courses
sections over the fall, winter and spring academic terms). English 150 is a
three-credit course considered to be developmental in content since it
encompassed the basic skills areas (sentence structure, parts of speech,
grammar, usage, punctuation, and paragraph development). The two tutoring
methods were group tutoring (i.e., Supplemental Instruction, or SI) and
individual tutoring. The treatment was randomly assigned to each of the eleven
course sections and attendance was mandatory by the students. The problem was
investigated by: (1) examining how the tutoring methods and other independent
variables affected student achievement and student retention, and (2) comparing
the two tutoring methods in terms of cost effectiveness. Achievement was
measured by the pretest-posttest gain score from the Tests of Adult Basic
Education (TABE). The TABE test for English measured students' competency in
capitalization, punctuation, expression, and spelling. Retention was measured by
the ratio percentage of the number of student credit hours earned compared to
the number of hours attempted for the first and second years following
treatment. The cost effectiveness of both tutoring methods was compared by
determining the cost of one grade level of improvement. Some of the major
findings were: students in SI tutoring had higher retention rates than students
receiving individual tutoring for the first and second years following
treatment; the combined results of the two tutoring methods did make a
significant difference in student achievement; the SI tutoring method compared
to the individual tutoring method was more cost effective ($3.46 average cost
for SI program to improve one grade level of one students vs. $16.30 for
one-on-one tutoring to do the same); and individual tutoring had a relatively
short-term effect. An unexpected finding was that students who participated in
SI groups continued to meet at other times outside of class and that the groups
were heterogeneous groupings. Interviews with these students revealed that they
had met the other students through the SI sessions. It was assumed that students
would tend to meet with their own homogeneous affinity groups. The SI students
revealed that they enjoyed the social interactions in the groups and felt more
comfortable working with other SI participants when they needed additional
academic assistance with the English 150 course. The SI program also had an
impact upon the SI leaders. Three of the seven SI leaders changed their degrees
-- two were business majors and one was a vocational-technical major -- to
education so they could become professional teachers. One-on-one tutors reported
frustration with the tutoring program when students canceled their scheduled
tutoring sessions. Since SI leaders worked with groups, they did not encounter
that problem.
Metcalf, K. J. (1996). The impact of the training
format on tutors' attitudes, beliefs, values, and practices in college level
tutoring (Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo,
1996). Dissertation Abstracts International, 57(09), 3780A
There is a lack of empirical data to support which, of several training formats
(models), is the best format for training tutors. The purpose of this present
dissertation study was to identify which of four training formats produced a
positive chance in tutor's attitudes towards tutoring, the tutoring process, and
its administration. Accredited Course (AC), Supplemental Instruction Liaison
(SIL) Course, Comprehensive Course (CC), and Short Course (SC).A dual
methodology was used. In the quantitative study, data was gathered from
student-tutors in 30 postsecondary tutor training programs, using a pre and
post-test quasi-experimental research design. The College Student Peer-Tutor
Survey (CSPTS) was developed to assess whether length or amount of tutor
training influenced a positive change in student-tutors' attitudes toward
tutoring. The qualitative component of the overall study sought to capture the
insights and perceptions of the tutor coordinators/trainers from the 30 tutor
training programs in relation to: (a) understanding the programs' organization
and instructional content, (b) refining the typology of formats, and (c)
developing recurrent themes. As a result of training and experience tutoring,
statistically significant changes in tutor's attitudes towards tutoring were
evidenced in all four formats. SIL tutors showed more positive change in
relation to the importance of "A tutor being an expert in the subject area
he/she is tutoring in." Results from the qualitative component of the study
focused attention on three recurrent themes: (a) the need for further refinement
of the typology of formats, (b) the need for staff development, and (c) the
precariousness of program status.
Peoples, D. M. (1993).
Supplemental
Instruction: Is it effective? Unpublished Master of Arts (M.A.) thesis,
Rowan College of New Jersey: Available: Interlibrary loan from Rowan College of
New Jersey.
This Master of Arts Thesis studied the impact of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
in 1991-1992 with fifteen 7th and 8th grade junior high school students with a
disability enrolled in Overbrook Junior High School of the Lower Camden County
Regional High School District Number 1 (NJ). The students were classified either
Emotionally Disturbed, Perceptually Impaired or Neurologically Impaired. The
students in the study were divided into three groups: those currently receiving
SI (CSI) and are mainstreamed in all four of the core academic subject areas;
those who previously received SI (PSI) and are mainstreamed in three of the
subject areas and only receive resource room instruction; and those who never
received SI (NSI) and are mainstreamed in two of the subject areas and only
receive resource room instruction. The significance of this study is that SI
provides another venue for students with a disability to be educated in the
least restrictive environment and be mainstreamed with other students. Departing
from the traditional SI model, the following modifications were made to the
delivery of the SI program: (1) due to state regulations the SI leader in this
study was a certified teacher of disabilities for grades N-12; (2) SI
participants were limited to the "at-risk" students with a disability; and (3)
due to state regulations the SI groups were limited to no larger than five
students. The researcher noted that a common characteristic of SI for
traditional college students and the high school students with a disability is
that both populations had varying academic ability levels. The CSI students most
of the time received higher final course grades than the PSI group, which in
turn generally received higher grades than the NSI group. Interviews with
parents suggested high satisfaction with the SI program and favored it over the
resource room instruction. Students also requested assistance more during the SI
sessions than during the resource room instruction. The researcher suggested
that the smaller size of the SI sessions in comparison with the resource room
instruction was less threatening for students to reveal their needs.
Potts, S. A. K. (1998). Impact of mixed method
designs on knowledge gain, credibility, and utility of program evaluation
findings (Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D., Arizona State University, 1998).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 59(06), 1942A
This dissertation study attempted to understand the relationship between
evaluation approach and the perceived knowledge gain, credibility, and utility
of findings. Specifically, the researcher investigated whether or not
quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method evaluations produced different kinds
and amounts of knowledge gain, different levels of credibility, or suggested
different types of use. To investigate this question, the researcher selected a
group of consumers of evaluations, presented them with three simulated
evaluation case summaries, and interviewed them for their reactions.
Participants included ten administrators from academic success and student
service programs at Arizona State University. The evaluation case summaries were
of a study counseling center, a summer transition program, and a Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. Each summary highlighted the evaluation's purposes,
research questions, data collection methods, findings, conclusions, and
recommendations. Participants ranked the mixed-method summary the highest in
knowledge gain because it portrayed the most comprehensive picture of program
participants, processes, and outcomes. The mixed-method summary was ranked the
highest in credibility because it allowed participants to experience the program
through the eyes and voices of the students. Participants also ranked the
mixed-method summary the highest in utility since it prepared them for such
internal administrative responsibilities such as strategic planning, high stakes
decision-making, and programmatic improvement. Even though SI was not the
primary focus of this study, the findings illustrate the need for careful
evaluation of SI programs. The research suggests that SI program administrators
should use the mixed-method evaluation system to provide the most helpful and
convincing data for policy makers.
Pryor, S. A. (1990). The relationship of
Supplemental Instruction and final grades of students enrolled in high-risk
courses (Doctoral dissertation EdD, Western Michigan University, 1989).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 50(07), 1963A. (University Microfilms,
No. 8923554).
The purpose of this doctoral dissertation research study was to determine if
there was a significant relationship between attendance at Supplemental
Instruction (SI) and final course grades. Unlike some other studies that
included SI leaders who were graduate students, community persons, or faculty
members, this study only examined SI sessions that were facilitated by
undergraduate students. The three science courses at Western Michigan University
studied were Animal Biology, Plant Biology, and Introduction to Physics.
Attendance at SI was significantly related to final course grades (4.0 grade
point scale: 2.64 for SI participants vs. 2.27 for non-SI participants, p<
.002), and students who attended SI earned significantly higher final course
grades than students who did not attend SI. Even when final course grades were
adjusted for composite ACT score, the SI group maintained the half letter grade
positive difference. There was also a significant difference in the grade
distribution of students who attended SI and students who did not attend SI. The
rate of D, F and course withdrawals much significantly lower for the SI group
(25% vs. 39%, p< .05). There was a positive correlation between higher levels of
SI attendance and higher mean final course grades. Students who attended three
or more SI sessions earned a full letter grade higher than the non-SI group
(adjusted mean final course grades: zero SI attendance, 2.27; attended SI once
or twice, 2.45; attended three to six SI sessions, 3.07; and attended SI
sessions seven or more times, 3.10).
Sevos, S. (1991). The effects of Supplemental Instruction on a developmental mathematics course. Unpublished Master's of Science (M.S.) thesis, Kean College of New Jersey. Available: Interlibrary loan from Kean College of New Jersey.
Smit, D. (1996).
A student's attitude towards
skills, adjustment and performance, and the role of Supplemental Instruction.
Unpublished Bachelor of Arts' Thesis, University of Port Elizabeth, Republic of
South Africa.
This thesis paper examines the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the
University of Port Elizabeth (South Africa). A qualitative research design was
employed to study the outcomes of the SI program with students regarding
attitudes toward skills, adjustment, and performance. The subject of the study
was a first year chemistry student. The researcher noted that since SI is a
student-driven activity, some academic skills are emphasized based on SI
participant interest.
Stephens, J. E. (1995). A study of the
effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction on developmental math students in
higher education (Doctoral dissertation EdD, University of North Texas, 1995).
Dissertation Abstracts International, 56(05), 1697A. (University
Microfilms, No. 9529947).
This quasi-experimental doctoral dissertation research study examined the
effects of participation in a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program on student
test performance in a second-level developmental mathematics class in a
four-year university setting (rural North Central Texas, 6300 FTE) during Spring
1994. The research design followed Campbell and Stanley's Nonequivalent Control
group Model (1963) with repeated measures. This research deviated from past
research on SI in that it examined effects of the SI program at the end of each
of six test blocks rather than at the end of the course only. Test data were
analyzed using analysis of variance; final course grades were analyzed using
chi-square. Interview notes combined with notes on classroom behavior patterns
and SI study session behaviors added to the ethnographic aspect of the study.
Results showed that the SI students scored higher on unit tests throughout the
semester, and this difference in scores became significant as the semester
progressed (Score range: 0 to 100; Exam #1: 67.8 vs. 66.3; Exam #2: 78.97 vs.
74.34; Exam #3: 69.0 vs. 59.03; Exam #4: 84.13 vs. 54.02; Exam #5: 83.03 vs.
68.34; Final Exam: 68.77 vs. 51.35. Exams beginning with #3 were statistically
significant (p < .01). The rate of A or B final course grades was higher for the
SI group (36.6% vs. 6.7%). The rate of D and F grades (24.1% vs. 52.0%), course
withdrawals (11.0% vs. 28.0%), and combined rate of D or F final course grades
and withdrawals (35.4% vs. 80.0%) was lower for SI participants. Additional
analysis examined the impact of low, medium and high attendance at SI sessions.
These categories are defined as attending one-third, two-thirds, or all SI
sessions during the examination period. Only in two of the six examination
blocks was attendance found to be statistically significant (Exam #3 mean scores
of SI participants: low, 62.7; medium, 75.33; high, 83.0. Exam #4: low, 78.33;
medium, 88.42; high, 96.0). Overall percentage of SI participation grew
throughout the academic term: exam #1, 18.7%; exam #2, 36.2%; exam #3, 46.7%;
exam #4, 42.3%; and exam #5, 53.2%. Observations regarding behaviors during the
SI sessions included: it took time before students became active and verbal
participants; students began to understand error patterns revealed during unit
examinations; problem solving skills increased; increased ability to explain
thinking process regarding problem-solving; discovery of multiple approaches to
problem-solving; the group developed camaraderie; and the emergence of several
SI participants as subgroup leaders. Observations regarding behaviors during
class lectures by SI participants found that after several weeks they began to
ask more questions to the instructor concerning lecture material.
Section Two: Books, Chapters, and Monographs
Ainsworth, L., Garnett, D., Phelps, D., Shannon,
S., & Ripperger-Suhler, K. (1994). Steps in starting Supplemental Instruction.
In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Increasing
achievement and retention (pp. 23-30). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
An institution must complete a number of critical steps to effectively implement
a new Supplemental Instruction (SI) program: present research-based information
that suggests the effectiveness of SI; gaining administrative and faculty
support; selecting a SI supervisor with sufficient release time; carefully
supervising the SI program throughout the academic term; and using evaluation
data for program improvement. The authors based their suggestions from past
experience at Texas Tech University.
Arendale, D. (1993). Supplemental Instruction:
Improving student performance and reducing attrition. In
Educational Programs
that Work: The Catalogue of the National Diffusion Network (19th ed., p.
14.4). Longmont, CO: Sopris West, Inc.
This overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program provides a narrative
description of SI, minimum requirements for successful implementation of the
program, and services that the National Center for SI at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City can provide to institutions that wish to implement SI.
Arendale, D. (1994). Understanding the Supplemental Instruction model. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 11-21). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. This chapter provides a basic overview of the Supplemental Instruction model: common factors in student attrition; development of the SI program in 1973; key SI program personnel; administration and funding of SI programs; connection of the SI program with other campus programs.
Arendale, D. (1995). Self-assessment for adjunct
instructional programs. In S. Clark-Thayer (Ed.),
NADE Self-Evaluation
Guides: Models for assessing learning assistance/developmental education
programs (pp. 49-87). Clearwater, FL: H&H Publishing Company.
This chapter provides a framework for evaluating a campus Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program regarding a variety of issues: mission, goals, and
objectives; program activities; program administration; human resources;
facilities; value system; awareness of individual differences; and program
evaluation. Adjunct instructional programs (AIPs) are defined as those forms of
group collaborative learning assistance that accompany a specific targeted
course to serve as a supplement for that course. These AIP activities occur
outside of class.
Arendale, D. (1998). Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of learning for first year college students through Supplemental Instruction. P. L. Dwinell, & J. L. Higbee (Eds.), The role of developmental education in preparing successful college students (pp. 185-197). Columbia, SC: The National Association for Developmental Education and the National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. Supplemental Instruction (SI) can be a powerful force for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of learning for students during the first year of college. With the paradigm shift from a focus on teaching to improvement of student learning, institutions are looking for a systematic approach to changing the campus learning culture. This chapter describes how SI addresses these needs and also provides a review of research in the U.S. and other countries regarding the impact of SI with improving student academic performance.
Arendale, D. (2008). Selected annotated
bibliography for Supplemental Instruction. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year
student success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 97-104) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Ashwin, P. W. H. (1994). The Supplemental
Instruction leader experience: Why SI is not teaching, a student's perspective.
In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other:
Supplemental Instruction (pp. 87-90). Birmingham, England: Staff and
Educational Development Association.
This chapter provides both a perspective as both a leader and supervisor in the
Supplemental Instruction program at Kingston University and Newham College of
Further Education in the United Kingdom. SI sessions is not about teaching for a
number of reasons: new information is not given in addition to that provided by
the professor; SI participants create the agenda for the SI sessions; no formal
assessment is taken; equal focus is placed on the process of learning of
material as well as the material itself; and students do not perceive themselves
in the same type of power relationship with the SI leader as they feel with the
course professor. SI leaders focus on involving all students at the sessions and
having them process the course material.
Barlow, J., & Gardiner, P. (1994). Introducing Supplemental Instruction in engineering courses. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 17-24). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. The authors describe the implementation of Supplemental Instruction in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering courses at Brighton University in the United Kingdom. SI was introduced in response to increasing pressures in higher education with reduced resources, much wider access, and changes in academic organizations. Evaluation reports suggest improvement by both the SI participants as well as the SI leaders.
Bidgood, P. (1994). The success of Supplemental Instruction: Statistical evidence. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 71-79). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. Research studies from Kingston University (United Kingdom) suggest that Supplemental Instruction has been helpful in a wide range of courses. Several studies suggested that higher levels of SI attendance are correlated with higher final course grades: Computer Systems, 1990-91: 68.2 percentile vs. 61.3 percentile for non-SI and 1991-92: 61.9 vs. 61.0; Information Systems, 1990-91: 67.5 vs. 59.2 and 1991-92: 59.4 vs. 54.1; Software Engineering, 1990-91 52.9 vs. 50.4 and 1991-92: 48.6 vs. 42.9; Mathematics, 1990-91: 61.6 vs. 56.7 and 1991-92: 58.5 vs. 53.5; and Average Mark for All Courses, 1990-91: 62.7 vs. 56.9 and 1991-92: 57.0 vs. 52.8. Additional studies examined final course grades for comparable entry qualifications.
Bryngfors, L., & Bruzell-Nilsson, M. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction: An experimental project with the method of
Supplemental Instruction. Lund, Sweden: The Lund Institute of Technology and
The Faculty of Science. Available: Lund University, Center for Supplemental
Instruction, Kansli LTH, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
This report provides an overview of the expansion of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program into Sweden. Research studies in 1996 from Lund
University (Lund, Sweden) suggest that SI participation contributes to higher
percent of students passing the final examination for the course (46 percent vs.
39 percent), and a higher rate of reenrollment (15 percentage points higher).
The mean average of students participating in SI was 46 percent. Interviews with
SI participants, SI leaders and the course professors who had SI attached to
their class reported positive comments concerning the impact of the SI program.
SI leader comments could be placed into three categories: contact with and the
opportunity to assist in the learning process of the new students; deeper
knowledge of the subject; and deeper knowledge of the learning process and
leadership experiences. Faculty members mentioned the following reasons for
supporting the SI program: received feedback from students concerning problems
that students encountered but did not disclose to the course instructor; SI
sessions provided another forum for students to engage in deeper understanding
and problem solving; students appeared more ready to participate in class oral
examinations due to practice of similar activities in SI sessions; students were
more skilled in participating in collaborative learning activities required by
the course professor; and students appeared to have higher morale since they
established working relationships with other students who could support their
academic work. The authors for this report also serve as the Certified Trainers
for SI in Sweden and surrounding countries.
Bryngfors, L., & Bruzell-Nilsson, M. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction: An experimental project with the method of
Supplemental Instruction. In R. B. Ludeman, & S. Hubler (Eds.),
Quality
student services around the world: Bridging student needs and student success
(pp. 221-246). Washington, D.C.: National Association of Student Personnel
Administrators.
This report provides an overview of the expansion of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program into Sweden. Research studies in 1996 from Lund
University (Lund, Sweden) suggest that SI participation contributes to higher
percent of students passing the final examination for the course (46 percent vs.
39 percent), and a higher rate of reenrollment (15 percentage points higher).
The mean average of students participating in SI was 46 percent. Interviews with
SI participants, SI leaders and the course professors who had SI attached to
their class reported positive comments concerning the impact of the SI program.
SI leader comments could be placed into three categories: contact with and the
opportunity to assist in the learning process of the new students; deeper
knowledge of the subject; and deeper knowledge of the learning process and
leadership experiences. Faculty members mentioned the following reasons for
supporting the SI program: received feedback from students concerning problems
that students encountered but did not disclose to the course instructor; SI
sessions provided another forum for students to engage in deeper understanding
and problem solving; students appeared more ready to participate in class oral
examinations due to practice of similar activities in SI sessions; students were
more skilled in participating in collaborative learning activities required by
the course professor; and students appeared to have higher morale since they
established working relationships with other students who could support their
academic work. The authors for this report also serve as the Certified Trainers
for SI in Sweden and surrounding countries.
Burmeister, S. L. (1994). The challenge of
Supplemental Instruction: Improving student grades and retention in high risk
courses. In M. Maxwell (Ed.), From access to success: A book of readings on
college developmental education and learning assistance programs (pp.
209-214). Clearwater, FL: H&H Publishing Company.
This chapter provides a general overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program, its history and components. Review of significant research studies of
the SI model is included (e.g., course grade and reenrollment by entry-test
score, graduation rates). A new study suggests that SI attendance was correlated
with higher final course grades in three types of mathematics courses: College
Algebra (2.21 vs. 1.98), Calculus (2.28 vs. 1.83), and Statistics (2.49 vs.
2.32). The study included data from 45 institutions with a total of 11,252
students enrolled in 177 classes. SI participants earned mean final course
grades that were higher than non-participants in all three categories of
mathematics courses. Suggestions are provided for improving the effectiveness of
campus SI programs.
Burmeister, S. L., Carter, J. M., Hockenberger,
L. R., Kenney, P. A., McLaren, A., & Nice, D. L. (1994). Supplemental
Instruction sessions in College Algebra and Calculus. In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Increasing
achievement and retention (pp. 53-62). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
Based on their observations of math Supplemental Instruction sessions, the
authors review several active learning strategies that have been effective for
students of the discipline. Critical activities for SI participants include:
active involvement by all SI session participants; test their approaches to
problems; precise use of math vocabulary; attention to precision; practice
solving problems under time constraints; vocalize their thinking process
regarding problem solving to each other; and set part of the agenda of SI
sessions. SI leaders need strong support from the SI supervisor for such
activities to characterize SI sessions.
Burmeister, S. L., Kenney, P. A., & Nice, D. L.
(1996). Analysis of effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction sessions for
college algebra, calculus, and statistics. In J. J. Kaput, A. H. Schoenfeld, &
E. Dubinsky (Eds.), Research in Collegiate Mathematics Education II (pp.
145-154). Providence, RI: American Mathematical Association and Mathematical
Association of America.
After an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model, this article
focuses on a research study concerning the effectiveness of SI for 11,252
students enrolled in 177 courses in college algebra, calculus and statistics
from 45 different institutions. In comparison with non-SI participants, SI
participants earned higher mean final course grades and experienced lower rates
of withdrawals: algebra (2.21 vs. 1.98); calculus (2.28 vs. 1.83); and
statistics (2.49 vs. 2.32).
Davies, J., & Johnston, S. (1994). The institutional implementation of Supplemental Instruction. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 55-63). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This chapter describes the implementation of Supplemental Instruction at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. Proponents of the SI program were careful to generate wide support rather than having the program implemented solely by the top institutional leaders. The "SI Working Group" was formed to carefully explore key questions before a final decision was made regarding SI implementation. Liaison relationships were established with the faculty staff, students, and the Dean. While there were challenges during the pilot implementation of SI, the program continues to develop.
Donelan, M. (1994). Introducing Supplemental
Instruction in mathematics, law, architecture, geography, and statistics. In C.
Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other:
Supplemental Instruction (pp. 41-50). Birmingham, England: Staff and
Educational Development Association.
This chapter describes the introduction of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. Goals for the SI program
was to improve both students' personal skills alongside their academic
abilities. With would provide a vehicle for improving their personal
transferable, as well as cognitive, skills while gaining an experiential
understanding of groupwork. SI leaders are generally not paid as SI mirrors a
variety of other unpaid student facilitation programs elsewhere at UCL. SI was
implemented in mathematics, law, architecture, geography, and statistics.
Positive improvements were reported for both SI participants and the SI leaders.
Gardiner, P., Corbett, B., & Palmer, P. (1994). Increasing student participation in the education of civil engineers. In J. Wallace (Ed.), Kingston University HEFCE Supplemental Instruction Project: 1993-94 (pp. 237-241). London, England: Kingston University. Through use of Supplemental Instruction in the civil engineering courses at the University of Brighton (East Sussex, United Kingdom), improvement occurred in: student learning, self-motivation, and team work skills.
Gravina, M., & Adams, B. (1991). Supplemental
Instruction: Integration of approaches to help high-risk students. In
Youth
at-risk: A resource guide (pp. 67-74). Lancaster, PA: Technonic Publishing
Company, Inc.
The book chapter describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to assist
students who have been predicted to be of academic risk at the institution.
Hall, P. T. (1993). Use of Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 38-39). Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839) The author describes the use of Supplemental Instruction with first-year "special-admit" law students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. SI sessions were offered in Introduction to Law, Contracts I, Property I, and Criminal Law. While special admit students were directed to participate in the SI sessions, the program was open to all students enrolled in the four courses. Research suggests that the SI program assisted students to earn higher grades. Reenrollment rates for the special admit students was higher than before the introduction of the SI program.
Hamilton, S., Blakeley, R., Critchley, C.,
Playford, J., Kelly, B. A., McNamara, E., & Robertson, R. (1994).
Supplemental Instruction at the University of Queensland: A pilot program.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: University of Queensland.
The project at the University of Queensland (Australia) investigated the
effectiveness of incorporating Supplemental Instruction (SI)
with two
large first-level biological science subjects (Introductory Biochemistry and
Plant Biology). Research studies suggest that the SI program contributed to
higher final course grades for SI participants (63.2 percentile vs. 52.7
percentile). The following factors were cited as important for program success:
financial commitment by the academic department; availability of an experienced
SI coordinator; selection and training of appropriate SI leaders; and full
support of the program and the leaders by academic staff associated with the
subject.
Healy, C. E. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: A model for supporting student learning. In J. Wallace (Eds.), Kingston University HEFCE Supplemental Instruction Project: 1993-94 (pp. 231-236). London, England: Kingston University. The study investigates the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction at the Glasgow Caledonian University. Preliminary results indicate: a) improved performance in the students' annual examinations (e.g., Electrical Engineering Principles: 61 percentile vs. 46 percentile for non-SI participants); b) reduction in students' drop-out rates; c) enhanced communication and other transferable skills and d) deeper understanding of engineering principles.
Healy, C. E. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: A
model for supporting student learning. In H. C. Foot, C. J. Howe, A. Anderson,
A. K. Tolmie, & D. A. Warden (Eds.), Group and interactive learning .
Southampton, England: Computational Mechanics Publications.
The author reported improved performance in annual examination results of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) students as well as reductions in dropout rates,
coupled with enhanced communication and other transferable skills and a deeper
understanding of the principles of engineering at the British higher education
institution.
Healy, C. E. (1994). Introducing Supplemental Instruction in engineering. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 25-30). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This article describes the implementation of Supplemental Instruction in engineering courses at Glasgow Caledonia University in Scotland. The University is seeking to initiate cultural change through partnership events involving students, staff and employees. Research studies suggested improvements by both the SI participants (64.8 percentile vs. 54.4 percentile for non-SI participants) and the SI leaders. Some SI leaders reported that they had now considered pursuing a teaching career based on the positive experience with the SI program.
Hill, S., Gay, B., & Topping, K. J. (1998). Peer-assisted learning beyond school. In K. Topping, & S. Ehly (Eds.), Peer-assisted learning (pp. 291-311). London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers. This book chapter provides a wide overview of peer-assisted learning (PAL) programs. The first part deals with cross-age tutoring programs. This most often involve college students working with young people. It is common for student tutors to report growth in improved communication skills, self-confidence, cognitive gains. The studies have had mixed results concerning cognitive gains by the tutees. More common improvements are reported with the social and affective domains. The authors report substantial and persuasive evidence of impact on dropout rates, course grades, and graduation outcomes.
Hurley, M., Jacobs, G., & Gilbert, M. (2006). The basic SI model. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 11-22). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This general overview of the SI model looks at the SI philosophy, essential program components, program structures, key roles, outcomes, and evaluation. The chapter also reviews what we have learned about the importance of planning SI sessions, providing ongoing training for leaders, conducting regular SI program assessments, and implementing effective and essential learning strategies.
Hurley, M., Patterson, K. L., & Wilcox, F. K. (2006). Video-based Supplemental Instruction: Serving underprepared students. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 43-54). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This chapter discusses Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI), a variation of the SI model that presents options for students who, barring a serious intervention, will not be successful in college.
Hurley, M., & Gilbert, M. (2008). Basic
Supplemental Instruction model. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student
success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 1-9) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Hurley, M., & Gilbert, M. (2008).
Research on the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction. In M. E. Stone & G.
Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 11-19) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Hurley, M., Patterson, K., Painter, S.,
& Carnicom, J. (2008). Video-based Supplemental Instruction. In M. E. Stone & G.
Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 67-79) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Ilsley, G. (1994). Introducing college-wide Supplemental Instruction. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 65-70). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. Supplemental Instruction is being used at Nene College (Northampton, United Kingdom). SI was used in five courses drawn from engineering, building studies, human biological studies and information systems. Research studies suggest improvement with SI participants.
Jacobs, G., Stone, M. E., & Stout, M. L. (2006). The new vision for SI: Where are we heading? In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 95-100). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Now firmly established as a proven retention program, SI can move beyond the university and assist communication and education anywhere: in industry, in cyberspace, or in the villages of the most remote corners of the world.
Jacobs, G., Stout, M. L., & Stone, M. E. (2008). Supplemental Instruction: International adaptations and future directions. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses (No. 7, 3rd ed., pp. 81-90) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Jacobs, G., Hurley, M., & Unite, C. (2008). How learning theory creates a foundation for SI leader training. In S. Rogan, P. Dawson, & S. Draper (Eds.), The Australasian Journal of Peer Learning (pp. 6-12).
Kaye, P. (1994). Introducing Supplemental Instruction in law. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 51-54). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. Supplemental Instruction was introduced at the University of Central Lancashire (United Kingdom) in the law program. While the targeted courses did not have high rates of low grades or withdrawal, there were several other reasons for their selection: enhancement of students' competencies and skills; leadership development; appreciation for learning outside of the formal classroom environment; and increased understanding of substantive legal issues.
Kenney, P. A., & Kallison, J. M. (1994). Research
studies of the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction in mathematics. In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Increasing
achievement and retention (pp. 75-82). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
Given the emphasis on the need to succeed in college-level mathematics courses,
these authors take a careful look at the effects of Supplemental Instruction
participation on student performance. In addition to reviewing other research
studies, this chapter focuses on the use of SI in Fall 1989 at the University of
Texas at Austin in Calculus for Business Students and Calculus for Engineering
and Natural Science Students. This paper describes a research study that used
Supplemental Instruction (SI) in a first-semester calculus course for business
and economics majors at the University of Texas at Austin. The experimental
design for this study used Campbell and Stanley's Nonequivalent Control Group
model. The study used two lecture classes with the same instructor. Each class
was divided into two discussion sections, and of those, one from each received
the SI treatment. In the control sections the teaching assistant performed
typical duties. In the SI sections the assistant performed the same duties but
in addition she provided instruction on the study skills relevant to the course
as it progressed and other activities that SI leaders would perform or
facilitate. The results showed a statistically significant difference favoring
the SI treatment group: the control group mean course grade point average of
2.43 and that for the treatment group of 3.00; the control group mean semester
grade point average (GPA) of 2.51 and that for the treatment group GPA of 2.95.
A multiple linear regression model was then chosen as a more complete method of
analysis. Three of the independent variables had coefficients which were
significant at the .05 level -- high school class rank, discussion section
attendance, and control/treatment group membership. This helps to answer the
question of whether SI was just a form of "double exposure" to the course
content. Since SI sessions were qualitatively different than the traditional
discussion sections (as evaluated by outside observers using a observation
protocol) and that the students who participated in the SI sessions earned
higher mean final course grades, it appears that SI sessions were more than
double exposure. A multiple regression analysis of semester grade point average
found that three of the variables were significant at the .05 level -- the SAT
Mathematical score, discussion section attendance, and group membership.
Additional studies were conducted concerning SI. The first study compared the
performance of students in Business Calculus. While SI was beneficial to all SI
participants (2.39 vs. 1.96 for non-SI participants), it was especially helpful
for lower-ability students. The second study focused on an Engineering Calculus
course. While the difference was closer for the two groups (2.01 vs. 1.91 for
non-SI participants), SI provided disproportionate help to the lower-ability
students as measured by SAT quantitative scores.
King, P. (1994). Supervision of Supplemental Instruction leaders: A practical guide. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 81-84). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This chapter describes the Supplemental Instruction supervision system at Kingston University in the United Kingdom. Common issues mentioned by SI leaders included: SI session difficulties; SI session leadership skills; strategies to build SI attendance; and SI leader morale.
King, P. (1994). Supplemental Instruction as a staff development model. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 37-39). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This article describes the partnership between the faculty development unit at Kingston University (United Kingdom) and a member of the instructional faculty (professional full-time tutor who also delivered lectures to the students) as they used Supplemental Instruction for student enrichment and staff development. Several courses were targeted in the School of Surveying: Quantity Surveying and Urban Estate Management and European Estate Management studies. The tutor adopted several SI session activities to use during times that were traditionally conducted in a tutorial format. Behavioral changes in students included: students took initiative in sessions for selecting and discussing topics; students worked with each other to identify additional information; students asked more challenging questions of the tutor in class; and students looked to each other for support when challenged with academic matters.
Koch, E. (1997). Lecturing between hope and despair: Lecturers' perceptions of academic development needs of students and lecturers at the University of Port Elizabeth. Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa: University of Port Elizabeth, Centre for Academic and Organizational Development. This report assessed the perceptions of lecturers of the success of academic development at the University of Port Elizabeth in the Republic of South Africa. The problem which emerged from the discussions was the growing number of underprepared and unprepared students who desire to attend tertiary education. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is regarded as a good program, but lecturers do not think that it reaches the targeted group of student effectively and deals adequately with the underlying problems. Since SI is voluntary, not all students who should come do so. Additionally, lecturers believe an increase in the structure of SI sessions may raise academic performance of the underprepared students who they believe need this. Additional solutions offered by the lecturers include: extended curriculum to provide more time-on-task; alternative learning methods by inclusion inside the class the use of collaborative learning, computerized self-paced instruction, and other methods.
Lipsky, S. A. (2006). A credit-bearing course for SI training leaders. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 33-42). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This chapter describes key components in the design of a training course for SI leaders. It looks at course topics and accompanying theoretical frameworks, and explains how content is delivered.
Lockie, N. M., & Van Lanen, R. J. (1994). Supplemental Instruction for college chemistry courses. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 63-74). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. Strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction in college chemistry courses are presented. The authors share lessons from use of SI in Principles of Inorganic Chemistry, Principles of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, General Chemistry 1, and Organic Chemistry I and II at Saint Xavier University (Chicago, IL). Some of the SI session strategies include: problem-solving strategies; review of basic chemistry content; accurate use of chemical language; collaborative learning activities that promote active learning by all SI session participants; quizzes to provide comprehension checkpoints; and sharing study strategies with each other.
Marcus, D. (1996). Supplemental Instruction with
mentoring support at Anne Arundel Community College. In R. Shoenberg (Ed.),
Lessons learned from Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
Projects III . Washington, D.C.: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary
Education, U.S. Department of Education.
This chapter describes the use of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) at Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD) for faculty
development purposes in addition to increasing academic achievement of
participating students. SI leaders were paired with faculty mentors who
participated in the initial training training for SI leaders. For the first four
weeks of the term the faculty mentor participated as learners by attending class
lectures and SI sessions whose student SI leaders they supervise and by keeping
a journal of their experiences. Mentors were placed in courses outside their
discipline so that they would focus on the learning process rather than being
tempted to critique the instructional content of the course professor. Mentors
reported that they increased their own teaching skills and their view of the
learning process.
Marshall, S. (1994). Faculty development through Supplemental Instruction. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 31-40). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. Involvement of faculty members with the Supplemental Instruction program can lead to personal and professional renewal for the faculty participants. The author describes the impact of SI with faculty members at Salem State College. Faculty members received an indirect faculty development experience through the following activities: attending training trainings initially designed for the SI leaders; frequent meetings with the SI leader assigned to their class; and participating in monthly seminars that involved SI leaders in discussing learning and teaching skills (group facilitation skills, critiques of teaching presentations, motivation activities, dealing racism and sexism, reviewing SI data studies). Faculty members who participated in this faculty development project reported numerous positive changes in their attitudes and classroom behaviors.
Martin, D. C. (1980). Learning centers in professional schools. In K. V.
Lauridsen (Ed.), Examining the scope of learning centers (pp. 69-79). San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc.
This chapter describes the role of academic assistance for students in
professional schools. The use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) for medical
students is described. Several research studies suggest that SI contributes to
higher academic achievement and the rate of D, F and course withdrawals have
been reduced by 20 percent. Fifty to seventy percent of the medical students
enrolled in a given course participate in the service. Data suggests that there
is a transfer effect of SI, students who take advantage of SI maintain their GPA
lead over nonparticipating students during the following academic term in the
second course in the same sequence.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1993). Foundation and theoretical framework for Supplemental Instruction. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 41-50). Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839) This chapter provides an overview of SI's educational pedagogy. Piaget and Vygotsky's writings on constructivism serve as a major basis for describing how students "construct" their own knowledge. This requirement for students to actively create their own knowledge drives many SI session strategies. Tinto's theories on student departure based on students' need for academic and social integration also guide the implementation of the SI program. Additional theorists include Keimig (Hierarchy of Learning Improvement Programs), Weinstein (metacognition), and a variety of researchers concerning collaborative learning.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1993). Review of research on Supplemental
Instruction. In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 19-26).
Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and
Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839)
This chapter compares a national research study concerning the effectiveness of
Supplemental Instruction with studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas
City. The National Center for SI collects SI data from a diverse sample of
higher education institutions from across the U.S. The national study included
data from 49 institutions that had offered SI in 1,477 courses of diverse
curriculum areas. The findings suggest that SI participants in comparison with
non-SI participants earn higher final course grades (2.46 vs. 2.12), earn a
higher percent of A and B final course grades, and receive a lower percent of D,
F and withdrawal final course grades (23% vs. 38%). Data collected from 1980 to
1992 in 217 courses with an enrollment of 9,365 students at UMKC confirms the
national studies. Additional studies conducted at UMKC suggested higher academic
achievement for SI participants with reenrollment (90.0% vs. 81.5% ) and
graduation rates (30.6% vs. 18.2%). Several studies from UMKC studied the
potential impact of student motivation levels, ethnicity, and previous levels of
academic preparation. These were not found to have a statistically significant
impact upon the research studies.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (Eds.) (1993).
Supplemental Instruction:
Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses (2nd ed.).
Columbia, SC: The University of South Carolina and the National Resource Center
for the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document
Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839)
This monograph describes Supplemental Instruction (SI), a study assistance
program designed to improve the academic success of college freshmen based on
the idea that if students are not being successful in courses then perhaps they
will withdraw from the institution. The first chapter reviews the SI model.
Chapter two explains in detail how SI works in the freshman year. Chapter three
offers a review of the research on SI. Chapter 4 examines why educators and
students choose SI. Chapter five shows how SI has been adapted to an urban high
school, to English composition classes, and to a law school at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City. The last chapter reviews the foundation and theoretical
framework of SI. An appendix lists institutions currently using SI. (Contains 60
references.) Available from ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1993). Supplemental Instruction in the first college year. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 11-18). Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839) This chapter describes how the Supplemental Instruction program can help meet some of the unique needs presented to students during their first year of college: integrating learning/study strategies within regular content courses; and supporting students enrolled in historically-difficult first-year courses; assisting student subpopulations make a successful transition into college (academically talented, remedial/developmental, field-dependent). Like other successful programs for students in the first-year, central objectives of the SI program are to: develop a felt sense of community; involvement of students in the life of the institution; and providing an environment to support academic and social integration.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1993). Understanding the Supplemental Instruction model. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 3-10). Columbia, SC: The National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839) Theoretical and philosophical underpinnings for the Supplemental Instruction model is included in this overview. Some of the major issues are reviewed: common factors in student attrition; focus on "high-risk courses" rather than "high-risk students;" proactive assistance before problems occur; key SI features; essential partners for SI success; creating awareness and generating support for SI on campus; and movement from a reactive to a proactive mode of student academic assistance.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (Eds.). (1994).
Supplemental Instruction:
Increasing achievement and retention (New Directions for Teaching and
Learning No. 60). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
This monograph features nine chapters concerning: overview and foundation of the
Supplemental Instruction (SI) program; use of SI for faculty development; SI in
the content areas (humanities, mathematics, chemistry); research studies
concerning SI; and the newest innovation of SI called Video-based Supplemental
Instruction (VSI).
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1998). Supplemental Instruction and
Video-based Supplemental Instruction. In American Association for Higher
Education, American College Personnel Association, and National Association of
Student Personnel Administrators (Eds.), Powerful partnerships: A shared
responsibility for learning (pp. 6-7). Washington, D.C.: Editors.
This report describes the different ways that institutions build campus
partnerships to deepen student learning both inside and outside the classroom.
AAHE, ACPA, and NASPA formed a Joint Taskforce on Student Learning to identify
successful models that have implications for pedagogy, curricula, learning
environments, and assessment. Both the Supplemental Instruction and Video-based
SI programs were highlighted as being a model for the first principle of
learning and collaborative action: Learning is fundamentally about making and
maintaining connections: biologically through neural networks; mentally among
concepts, ideas, and meanings; and experientially through interaction between
the mind and the environment, self and other, generality and context,
deliberation and action.
Martin, D. C., Arendale, D., & Blanc, R. A. (in press). Mainstreaming of developmental education: Supplemental Instruction and Video-based Supplemental Instruction. In H. Levin (Ed.), Alternatives to developmental education . San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. This book chapter was originally delivered as a paper at a special conference in January 1998 on "Alternatives to Developmental Education" that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education funded National Center for Lifelong Learning based at Stanford University (CA). The conference was convened to deal with the growing concern by some states regarding traditional developmental education credit courses. The conference was designed to identify several alternative ways of accomplishing the same purposes as developmental courses (e.g., linked courses, critical thinking courses, SI, VSI). This chapter first provides an overview of SI and VSI. Then it concludes with the pedagogical basis for both. In developmental education, research scholars embrace the reductionist approach by seeking first to identify the separate and distinct skills required for academic success, then to measure the degree to which these are present or absent in the individual, and finally to isolate and teach those skills that are in deficit. Practitioners assume that mastery of a series of independent skills lead to academic competency. SI and VSI break with this view and provide a holistic approach to education. Given sufficient efficiency on task, effective guidance, and the time and opportunity to do so, any serious student can learn.
Martin, D. C., Arendale, D., & Widmar, G. E. (1998). Creating communities
for learning. In L. Hardge (Ed.), Bridges to student success: Exemplary
programs 1998 (pp. 27-33). Washington, D.C.: National Association for
Student Personnel Administrators.
This monograph chapter provides a basic overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) model. In addition to the basic overview, the authors describe how SI
provides a pluralistic environment where students can learn to value the unique
perceptions of others who may view the world differently than themselves. SI
provides a structured environment for students to participate in learning
communities outside the supervision of the class professor.
Martin, D. C., & Blanc, R. A. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: An organic
model in transition, the views of SI's initiator. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace
(Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction
(pp. 91-94). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association.
This chapter describes the history and development of Supplemental Instruction
in the United States by the program's creator. The essential elements of
successful SI programs are described. In addition, the chapter reviews the
adaption of the SI model for the British higher education system through the
work of Jenni Wallace of Kingston University, London.
Martin, D. C., & Blanc, R. A. (1994). Video-Based Supplemental Instruction: A pathway to mastery and persistence. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 83-92). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. The Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) delivery system using Supplemental Instruction that is described here combines developmental studies with core curriculum courses, offering an alternative to remedial/developmental instruction. Students that are least prepared at the institution need a more powerful academic support service. The difference between the VSI approach and those traditionally used in postsecondary education lies in the centrality of students to the process as opposed to the centrality of the material to be learned: students conduct the preview; students determine the pace of the lecture; students assure their own mastery as the lecture progresses; students select the key points for immediate review; and students identify misconceptions and modify and adapt their conceptions to achieve, eventually, more complete understanding. VSI was designed to allow such students to both earn credit for core curriculum courses while they develop the requisite learning strategies needed for academic success. This provides an alternative way to provide developmental education.
Martin, D. C., Blanc, R. A., & Arendale, D. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: Supporting the classroom experience. In J. N. Hankin (Ed.), The Community College: Opportunity and Access for America's First-Year Students (pp. 123-133). Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina: The National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 393 486). This chapter reviews the impact of the Supplemental Instruction program with fifty-nine two-year colleges across the U.S. The research study contained reports from 480 classes that enrolled 23,979 students. The data suggests that SI participation was correlated with higher academic achievement: higher mean final course grades (2.30 vs. 1.63); higher percentage of A or B final course grades (50.6% vs. 32.9%); and lower rates of D, F and withdrawals (25.9% vs. 46.3%). Similar findings occurred when the data was separated by broad academic disciplines: business, health science, mathematics, natural science, social science/humanities, and technical/vocational. In addition, the themes of attrition identified by Tinto (adjustment, isolation, difficulty, and incongruence) are used as a paradigm to examine the possible reasons for the positive impact of the SI program. Several SI programs reported the use of SI for faculty development: faculty serve as SI supervisors and adopt SI sessions strategies into their own lectures; faculty SI supervisors provide requested feedback to the course professors that they observe concerning class presentation activities; and faculty who observe SI sessions report using more student-led collaborative learning activities during their class sessions.
Martin, D. C., Blanc, R. A., & DeBuhr, L. (1982). Supplemental Instruction:
A model for increasing student performance and persistence. In L. Noel, & R.
Levitz (Eds.), How to succeed with academically underprepared students: A
catalog of successful practices (pp. 75-79). Iowa City, IA: ACT National
Center for the Advancement of Educational Practices.
This article provides a basic overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program. Included is a research study of 746 students enrolled in seven Arts and
Sciences courses in Spring semester 1980. SI participants earned higher mean
final course grades (2.70 vs. 2.25) and received lower rates of D, F and
withdrawal grades (18.4% vs. 44.0%).
Martin, D. C., Blanc, R. A., & DeBuhr, L. (1983).
Retention with
integrity through Supplemental Instruction. Kansas City, MO: The University
of Missouri-Kansas City, Student Learning Center.
This monograph provides a comprehensive overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program. It can serve as a training manual for SI supervisors and SI
leaders to implement the program on a college campus. Topics include: overview
of SI; establishing and conducting SI sessions; guidelines for SI leaders; SI
program evaluation procedures; writing lab adaptations of SI; adapting SI to
English composition classes; SI on a small campus; student denial; and
diagnosing learning problems of gifted adults.
Martin, D. C., Blanc, R. A., DeBuhr, L., Alderman, H., Garland, M., & Lewis,
C. (1983). Supplemental Instruction: A model for student academic support.
Kansas City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City and ACT National Center
for the Advancement of Educational Practices
This monograph provides a basic overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model: basic overview; UMKC student academic performance in seven Arts and
Sciences courses during 1980 reported earlier in the 1983 article by Blanc,
DeBuhr and Martin (final course grades, impact of student motivation,
reenrollment rates, performance of students separated by upper and lower
quartile scores, and changes in D, F and withdrawal rates for the courses) and
new studies examining students of color and medical school students; generating
campus awareness and support; case studies of SI's use outside of UMKC (Maple
Woods Community College - MO, Bethel College - KS, Kansas State University -
KS); training SI leaders; and evaluation procedures for program review.
Martin, D. C., Hall, P. T., & Arendale, D. (1993). Use of Supplemental Instruction at an urban high school. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 31-33). Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 354 839) The authors describe the use of Supplemental Instruction -- traditionally a post-secondary academic program -- with an urban high school in Kansas City, Missouri. Westport High School is a culturally-diverse school located in the central city. Over half the students were one or two years behind grade levels in reading and mathematics and an equal number were economically disadvantaged. SI was provided to students enrolled in 9th and 10th grade English and history classes. SI sessions were scheduled during a scheduled time during the school day three times each week. Research studies suggested that there was improvement in final course grades of students in the English (A and B grades: 28.7% vs. 13.6% before SI; F grades: 23.2% vs. 32.7% before SI) and history classes. Interviews with students and teachers suggest that participation in the SI program also promoted higher levels of class participation and higher achievement on standardized test scores.
Martin, D. C., & Hurley, M. (2005). Supplemental Instruction. In M. L.
Upcraft, J. N. Gardner & B. O. Barefoot (Eds.), Challenging and supporting the
first-year student: A handbook for improving the first year of college
(308-319). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This chapter focuses on defining and
illustrating Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the context of its development at
the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Center for Academic Development,
its validation by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), its dissemination
nationally and internationally to colleges and universities, and its
applications to first-year courses and programs as well as distance learning.
Martin, D. C., Lorton, M., Blanc, R. A., & Evans, C. (1977).
The learning
center: A comprehensive model for colleges and universities. Grand Rapids,
MI: Aquinas College. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 162 294)
Intended for use by educators responsible for developing post-secondary learning
centers, this manual emphasizes the design and administration of such centers
rather than the various aspects of skill instruction. Its seven chapters discuss
the concept of a learning center; the components of the model, including
Supplemental Instruction, recruitment and selection of staff, the training of
tutorial and teacher assistants, learning materials, distinct labs, noncredit
readiness in content areas, and extension of the model; diagnosis of
institutional and individual needs; instructional methodology, specifically
listening, notetaking, study skills, vocabulary, and comprehension; affective
consideration, with a discussion of a "relaxation" project; evaluation,
including sample data and forms; and proposal preparation.
Martin, D. C., & Wilcox, F. K. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: Helping
students to help each other. In G. Wisker, & S. Brown (Eds.),
Enabling
student learning: Systems and strategies (pp. 97-101). Birmingham, England:
Kogan Page Publishers and the Staff and Educational Developmental Association
(SEDA). (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 396 611)
This chapter reviews the development of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model
in the United States and its recent introduction into the United Kingdom.
Several additions were made to the SI model with its use in the United Kingdom.
Due to scheduling conflicts for SI leaders, it is necessary to provide several
SI leaders in each course. An advantage of this decision is that the SI program
provides more professional development opportunities for the SI leaders. Another
feature of the SI program in the UK is the common practice of the SI leader
providing feedback to the course professor and the course tutor concerning
student comprehension of the lecture material. The authors emphasize the need
for academic support and learning enrichment for all students in higher
education.
Maxwell, M. (1979). Overcoming problems of
learning services. In M. Maxwell (Ed.), Improving student learning skills
(pp. 158-160). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers, Inc.
The author provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
Deanna Martin, creator of the SI model, is quoted regarding the relationship
between the faculty member and the SI program. The SI leader can serve as a
feedback mechanism for the course professor regarding the comprehension level of
the students if invited to do so. This provides an opportunity for the course
professor to review or clarify lecture content at the next class meeting.
Martin urges caution not to use the SI program as a tool by administrators
to change teacher behavior or the bond of cooperation between the SI program and
the professor may be placed at risk.
Maxwell, M. (1997). Successful programs and
strategies for teaching high-risk college students. In M. Maxwell (Ed.),
Improving student learning skills (2nd ed., pp. 158-178). Clearwater, FL:
H&H Publishing Company, Inc.
This chapter provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
and Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) program on pages 169 to 172. A
case study of SI at California State University at Long Beach indicated that the
program was modified due to financial funding problems to turn SI into an
adjunct course bearing one unit of nonbaccalaureate credit toward financial aid
and other full-time enrollment obligations. Academically disadvantaged students
(e.g., TRIO or Equal Opportunity Program students) attend SI at higher rates due
to this higher level of commitment. Grades are based on a credit/no credit
basis. Comparing performance of students with their own peer group reveals that
underprepared students usually benefit more from SI that traditional students.
McCormick, J. (1983). Writing lab adaptions of
Supplemental Instruction. In
D. C. Martin (Ed.),
Supplemental Instruction: A model for student
academic support (pp. 87-93). Kansas City, MO: The University of
Missouri-Kansas City and the ACT National Center for the Advancement of
Educational Practices.
The author describes how the Supplemental Instruction (SI) was customized for
use within the University of Missouri-Kansas City's writing laboratory. Since
students in the group are enrolled in the same content course (e.g., American
history), all have a common experience and see direct application of their
writing skills since the discussions are not in isolation from the content
course for which the writing assignment is due. This increases student
motivation and aids in the transfer effect to other content courses. Peer review
and mutual responsibility for critiquing each other's work encourages
collaboration.
McDaniel, A. (2008). Recruiting and training Supplemental Instruction leaders. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses (No. 7, 3rd ed., pp. 39-56) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
McDaniel, A. (2008). Epilogue: Concluding the first 35 years. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses (No. 7, 3rd ed., pp. 91-92) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
McGraw, S. P., & Newkirk, S. L. (1995).
Adaptation of Supplemental Instruction with mentoring support at Anne Arundel
Community College. In S. P. McGraw, & S. L. Newkirk (Eds.),
Fund for the
Improvement of Postsecondary Education Program Book . Washington, D.C.: Fund
for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education.
This
chapter describes how Rosemary Wolfe, FIPSE Project Director for Supplemental
Instruction (SI) with Mentoring Support, will be working with Ashland Community
College in Kentucky to adapt the SI program for underprepared students enrolled
in required general education courses; Daytona Community College to adapt the
program to math courses and the peer review process; Dutchess Community College
to adapt the program to lab courses; and Community College of Philadelphia to
adapt the program to student success in difficult courses. Expected outcomes for
faculty include increased interactive teaching skills and the development of new
teaching approaches, an awareness of their teaching styles and an understanding
of students' needs.
McGraw, S. P., & Newkirk, S. L. (1996).
Disseminating proven reforms: Supplemental Instruction with mentoring support at
Anne Arundel Community College. In S. P. McGraw, & S. L. Newkirk (Eds.),
Fund
for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education Program Book . Washington,
D.C.: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of
Education.
This chapter describes how Rosemary Wolfe, FIPSE Project Director for
Supplemental Instruction (SI) with Mentoring Support, worked Ashland Community
College in Kentucky, Daytona Community College, Dutchess Community College, and
the Community College of Philadelphia. Expected outcomes for faculty include
increased interactive teaching skills and the development of new teaching
approaches, an awareness of their teaching styles and an understanding of
students' needs.
McGuire, S.Y. (2006). The Impact of Supplemental Instruction on teaching students how to learn. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New Visions for Empowering Student Learning. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco.
This chapter presents information on the transformation of higher education, the learning theories on which the Supplemetnal Instruction model is based, and the characteristics of today's student population, and concludes with a look at the benefits and challenges of implementing SI in the twenty-first century.
McMillin, J. (1983). Adapting Supplemental Instruction to English composition classes. In D. C. Martin (Ed.), Supplemental Instruction: A model for student academic support (pp. 95-100). Kansas City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City and The ACT National Center for the Advancement of Educational Practices. This chapter describes the customization of the Supplemental Instruction model for use in English composition classes at Point Loma College (CA). The author emphasized the following elements of SI with use in the composition classes: discovery of learning in a non-threatening environment; a focus on developing a "co-worker" relationship between the SI leader and students; an awareness of process as well as content in teaching and learning; importance of reasoning skills in developing writing competency; and the role of the student as a responsible agent in his/her own educational process. This chapter provides a simulated conversation of an editing session between the SI leader and the student to illustrate the above elements.
McMillin, J. (1993). Adapting Supplemental
Instruction to English composition classes. In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 34-37).
Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and
Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 354 839)
This chapter, initially published in 1983, describes the customization of the
Supplemental Instruction model for use in English composition classes. The
author emphasized the following elements of SI with use in the composition
classes: discovery of learning in a non-threatening environment; a focus on
developing a "co-worker" relationship between the SI leader and students; an
awareness of process as well as content in teaching and learning; importance of
reasoning skills in developing writing competency; and the role of the student
as a responsible agent in his/her own educational process. This chapter provides
a simulated conversation of an editing session between the SI leader and the
student to illustrate the above elements.
Muraskin, L. (1997).
"Best practices" in
Student Support Services: A study of five exemplary sites. Washington, D.C.:
U.S. Department of Education. Available: ERIC Document Reproduction Service, ED
416 784
This report examines "best practices" in the delivery of Student Support
Services (SSS), one of the Special Programs for Disadvantaged Students
collectively known as the TRIO programs. The study is based on case studies that
were conducted in five local SSS projects during early 1996. The five projects
were drawn from 30 projects in the National Study of Student Support Services, a
longitudinal survey of students begun in 1991. A common theme of academic
support at all five institutions was with providing learning assistance for
developmental and popular freshman courses. Two of the five sites used
Supplemental Instruction (SI) as an integral part of academic enrichment for SSS
students. Another site used a variation of SI.
Muhr, C., & Martin, D. C. (2006). TeamSI: A resource for integrating and improving learning. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 85-94). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. A permutation of the original program, TeamSI represents an ambitious attempt to improve both students’ deep understanding of their professional discipline and their self-development as more mature learners and leaders.
Ochae, R. (1995). Writers at risk: An experiment
with Supplemental Instruction in freshman writing classrooms. Black Hills State
University Research and Scholarly Work Symposium
Research and scholarly work
symposium proceedings (pp. 67-72). Spearfish, SD: Black Hills State
University.
This book chapter describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) during Fall
1994 at Black Hills State University (Spearfish, SD) with a beginning writing
class (English 101). The institution has an open admission policy and high
attrition and dropout rates in the first writing course. To measure
effectiveness of SI, a diagnostic essay (EDE) was administered to the English
101 students, based on a common essay prompt and scored holistically by the
entire English faculty. Results suggested that SI helped SI participants to
improve writing skills (gain of 15.7% on the EDE vs. 14.0% for courses taught by
the same professor but without SI), earn higher mean final course grades (2.6
vs. 2.5, reduce failure rates (13.8% vs. 16.0%), and lower course withdrawal
rates (6.1% vs. 6.9%).
Painter, S. L., Bailey, R., Gilbert, M., & Prior, J. (2006). New directions for Supplemental Instruction. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 73-83). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. SI can expand past the boundaries of on-campus review sessions. This chapter examines how SI can be implemented in university teaching-learning centers and in thematically based learning communities and shows how SI is meeting the needs of high school students. Finally, it explores an avant-garde program that has piloted the implementation of virtual SI sessions.
Peters, C. B. (1990). Rescue the perishing: A new
approach to Supplemental Instruction. In The Changing Face of College
Teaching (pp. 59-68). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. (ERIC Document
Reproduction Service No. ED 344 539)
This chapter describes an experiment of providing an a modified version of the
Supplemental Instruction program at the University of Rhode Island (Kingston,
RI). The author is an associate professor of sociology and anthropology. Rather
than hiring student SI leaders to facilitate the SI sessions, the course
professor performs the task. According to the author, these out-of-class
sessions appear similar to ones facilitated by student leaders. Participating
students report satisfaction with the sessions.
Price, M., & Rust, C. (1994). Introducing
Supplemental Instruction in business courses in a modular programme. In C. Rust,
& J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental
Instruction (pp. 31-36). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational
Development Association.
Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom is using the Supplemental
Instruction program in the School of Business. SI was implemented with larger
business courses (400 to 500 students) to enhance the learning environment for
the students enrolled in these elective courses that are outside their field of
study. Rather than paying the SI leaders, they were given academic credit for
the experience. The research studies of students enrolled in the targeted
courses suggested a positive correlation (p < .05) between SI participation (two
or more times) and higher final course grades (Introduction to Business, 61.4
percentile vs. 56.2 percentile for non-SI participants; Managing Concepts, 60.7
vs. 54.6; and Changing Environment of Business, 56.6 vs. 46.2) . The SI
participants attracted a higher percentage of female and older students than
represented in the total class.
Rich, C. E., Williford, A. M., & Kousaleous, S. L. (1997). Supplemental Instruction at Ohio University: Improving student performance. In P. L. Dwinell, & J. L. Higbee (Eds.), Developmental Education: Enhancing student retention (pp. 37-44). Carol Stream, IL: National Association for Developmental Education. This study of student performance compared final course grades of students who attended Supplemental Instruction (SI) study sessions with grades of those who did not attend SI study sessions during the period of Fall 1993 through Spring 1995. Results indicated that, with gender and aptitude controlled, students who attended SI study sessions generally finished the targeted course with higher grades than students who did not attend, and that frequent attendees completed courses with final course grades that were generally higher than infrequent or non-attenders. Students who most need academic support, as identified by lower aptitude scores, comprised a majority of attenders. Poor performance, early withdrawal, and failure rates were lower among SI attenders than among non-attenders for most courses in which SI was offered.
Richardson, S. (1994). How Supplemental Instruction came to Britain. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 15-16). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. The author describes the role of Dennis Congos -- a Certified SI Trainer -- in introducing the Supplemental Instruction model at Kingston University in the United Kingdom.
Romoser, M. A., Rich, C. E., Williford, A. M., &
Kousaleous, S. L. (1997). Supplemental Instruction at Ohio University: Improving
student performance. In P. L. Dwinell, & J. L. Higbee (Eds.),
Developmental
Education: Enhancing student retention (pp. 37-44). Carol Stream, IL:
National Association for Developmental Education.
This study of student performance compared final course grades of students who
attended Supplemental Instruction o(SI) study sessions with grades of those who
did not attend SI study sessions during the period of Fall 1993 through Spring
1995 at Ohio University (Athens, OH). Results suggested that, with gender and
aptitude controlled, students who attended SI study sessions generally finished
the targeted course with higher grades and lower rates of withdrawal than
students who did not attend, and that frequent attenders (five or more times per
academic term in one course) completed courses with final course grades that
were generally higher than moderate (two to four times) infrequent (one time
only) or non-attenders. For example, during Fall 1994 the following results
occurred for higher aptitude students: non SI, 2.55; infrequent, 2.55; moderate,
2.73; and frequent, 2.95. For lower aptitude students for the same academic
term: non SI, 1.94; infrequent, 2.09; moderate, 2.27; and frequent, 2.41.
Through student evaluations three factors emerged that influenced student
attendance: (1) course content must be perceived as challenging, but manageable;
(2) cooperating faculty member must endorse both the SI program, SI leader, and
encourage students to attend SI; and (3) students must have some understanding
of what SI is and what to expect at a study session. A locally-produced SI
introductory video has been a helpful promotional took, second only to
participant endorsements.
Rust, C., & Wallace, J. (Eds.). (1994).
Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction.
Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association
This monograph provides a comprehensive review of Supplemental Instruction in
the United Kingdom: overview of SI; background of introduction of SI; use of SI
for staff and faculty development; benefits of SI for both the students and the
SI leaders; statistical research reports; and eight case studies illustrating
the experience of implementing SI into British higher education courses.
Spencer, G., & Wallace, J. (1994). Conceptualizing Supplemental Instruction. In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 9-14). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This article places Supplemental Instruction into its appropriate role within British higher education. SI is compared and contrasted with collaborative learning, tutorials, and roles of the instructor. It is emphasized that SI focuses on the student learning process.
Stone, M. E., & Jacobs, G. (2006). Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 106. In an ever-changing academic environment, an established academic support model is providing its ability to meet the needs of today’s educational landscape. Supplemental Instruction (SI) was introduced over thirty years ago to help students in these difficulty courses be successful. This issue of New Directions for Teaching and Learning both introduces basic tenets of SI to those who do not know it and brings those familiar with the method up-to-date on how far it has come and where it is headed in the future.
Stone, M. E., Jacobs, G., & Hayes, H. (2006). Supplemental Instruction: Student perspectives in the 21st century. In D. B. Lundell, J. L. Higbee, I. M., Duranczyk & E. Goff (Eds.), Student standpoints about academic access programs in higher education (pp. 129-141). Minneapolis: The Center for Research on Developmental Education and Urban Literacy. This qualitative study examined students’ perspectives of Supplemental Instruction (SI), a now well-established student academic assistance program. Consideration was given to what students perceived were the benefits and frustrations with SI, the reasons for attending verses not attending, and whether SI serves students’ needs today as effectively as it has over the last 3 decades. Results indicated that SI is still a beneficial program for many students, though some voiced frustration with the model’s principles of information discovery through collaborative learning.
Stout, M. L., & McDaniel, A. J. (2006). Benefits to Supplemental Instruction leaders. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 55-62). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. SI leaders attain a great many benefits as a result of their participation in SI leadership activities. The chapter examines what SI leaders can expect to gain.
Stone, M. E., & Jacobs, G. (2008). Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student success in high-risk courses (Monograph No. 7, 3rd ed.). Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Stratton, C. B. (1998). Transitions in
Developmental Education: Interviews with Hunter Boylan and David Arendale. In P.
L. Dwinell, & J. L. Higbee (Eds.), The Role of Developmental Education in
Preparing Successful College Students (pp. 25-36). Columbia, SC: The
National Association for Developmental Education and the National Center for the
Study of the Freshmen Year Experience and Students in Transition.
In this book chapter the author interviews two leaders in the field of
developmental education. Hunter Boylan directs the National Center for
Developmental Education. David Arendale directs national dissemination of
Supplemental Instruction. Both have served as past presidents of NADE. Arendale
talks about how developmental education must be "mainstreamed" into the college
curriculum rather than continuing with the current model of separate tracks of
courses and support for students who need academic assistance. Supplemental
Instruction and Video-Based Supplemental Instruction are cited as examples for
embedding academic assistance into college-level courses. Brief overviews are
provided for both programs. He suggests that SI and VSI present an acceptable
way for accomplishing the mission of developmental education which is
politically acceptable to policy makers at the institution, state, and national
level.
Taylor, G. T., Healy, C. E., & Macdonald, M. (1994). Engineering educational development: Raising the quality through partnerships. In J. Wallace (Eds.), Kingston University HEFCE Supplemental Instruction Project (pp. 225-230). London, England: Kingston University. The changes which face education today make it essential that quality is raised by moving from a teaching to a learning culture. Supplemental Instruction (SI) was used to create a partnerships between student, staff and employers working together to develop a learning environment in the Department of Energy and Environmental Technology at Glasgow Caledonian University in Glasgow, England. Students indicated the following reasons for SI participation: students want to work in peer groups; students recognize the academic difficulty of their courses; and students believe that peer groups are a source of information and help for them. In an evaluation of the SI program, SI leaders indicated growth in the following areas: verbal and nonverbal communications, learning techniques, interpersonal communication skills, consideration of college major change to a teaching career, and gaining employment skills that makes them more attractive to potential employers.
Wallace, J. (1994).
Kingston University HEFCE
Supplemental Instruction Project: 1993-94. London, England: Kingston
University.
This report review four years of development and research into the use of
Supplemental Instruction at Kingston University in the United Kingdom. An
additional emphasis area for the SI model has been with staff and faculty
development. Included are reports from Kingston University, Glasgow Caledonian
University, University of Central Lancashire, Luton University, University of
Brighton, and Oxford Brookes University.
Wallace, J. (1994). Provoking the teaching and learning debate. In J. Wallace (Eds.), Kingston University HEFCE Supplemental Instruction Project (pp. 99-117). London, England: Kingston University. This chapter contains responses from several educators regarding the impact of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with improving the learning environment for college students in the United Kingdom. The SI program has attracted considerable attention from student unions and unionized teacher trade unions since it has become another partner in the learning process. UK educators who have implemented the SI program have been very careful to position SI as an enhancement to the learning process rather than an alternative to traditional means of delivering instruction to students. Teaching and learning are carefully separated with the UK system.
Wallace, J. (1996). Peer tutoring: A
collaborative approach. In S. Wolfendale, & J. Corbett (Eds.),
Opening doors:
Learning support in higher education (pp. 101-116). London, England: Cassell
Publishers.
This chapter is a description of how the Supplemental Instruction program was
customized for use in the United Kingdom. The key to the success of the program
was effective awareness raising for academic staff, the training of the student
leaders and the effective management of the scheme. Quotations from SI leaders
and faculty members cite a variety of reasons for support for the SI program.
Wallace, J., & Rye, P. D. (1994). What is Supplemental Instruction? In C. Rust, & J. Wallace (Eds.), Helping students to learn from each other: Supplemental Instruction (pp. 7-8). Birmingham, England: Staff and Educational Development Association. This article provides a short overview for how the Supplemental Instruction program is most often implemented in the British higher education system.
Widmar, G. E. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: From small beginnings to a national program. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 3-10). San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass, Inc. The chief student affairs officer at the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a historical review of the development and implementation of Supplemental Instruction (SI). The SI program was first implemented with the Dental, Medical, and Pharmacy schools since an unacceptable rate of students were leaving the institution. Later the SI program was expanded to the College of Arts and Sciences. The author describes the administrative and political issues that must be addressed to meet issues important to administrators and faculty members. Since the Division of Student Affairs views its programs as cocurricular rather than extracurricular, administrative placement of the SI program with Student Affairs was a natural fit for the campus. Faculty and administrative support for SI remains for the following reasons: SI supports cultural diversity; SI supports critical thinking; SI supports student retention and academic performance; and SI is both replicable and adaptable.
Widmar, G. E., & DeBuhr, L. (1987). Supplemental
Instruction: Meeting the academic development needs of students at urban
universities. In A. Artibise, & W. Fraser (Eds.),
New Directions for Urban
Universities: International Perspectives . Winnipeg, Canada: Institute of
Urban Studies.
This book chapter discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) as a
strategy to support the academic success of students.
Wilcox, F. K. (1993). Reasons educators and
students choose Supplemental Instruction. In
D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses 2nd ed., (pp. 27-30).
Columbia, SC: National Resource Center for The Freshman Year Experience and
Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 354 839)
In this chapter a variety of factors are identified that have been reported as
significant in generating interest by educators and students with Supplemental
Instruction. These factors include: SI supports high academic standards;
cost-effectiveness of the SI program; meets immediate pragmatic needs of
students; SI avoids a remedial/developmental image; SI sessions are
non-threatening for students; SI sessions develop a community of supportive
learners; and SI helps students to develop transferable study strategies..
Wilcox, F. K. (1995). Supplemental Instruction
and efficiency in learning. In M. T. Keeton, B. Mayo-Wells, J. Porosky, & B.
Sheckley (Eds.), Efficiency in adult higher education: A practitioner'
handbook (pp. 102-107). College Park, MD: The University of Maryland
University College, Institute for Research on Adults in Higher Education.
This chapter provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
The SI program is efficient since it provides a highly effective academic
support program (higher grades, lower course withdrawals, higher reenrollment
and graduation rates) for a moderate cost by employing student facilitators.
Since the SI sessions occur outside of class, it preserves the time available
for the course professor and allows them to more efficiently use their class
time addressing the course material rather than using a portion of the time to
address issues best addressed during the SI sessions.
Wilcox, F. K. (1999).
Supplemental Instruction
Leader Manual. Kansas City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This manual is used during training trainings to equip faculty and staff members
from other postsecondary institutions to implement their own Supplemental
Instruction (SI) programs. The interactive manual covers a wide range of
practical issues for someone who wishes to lead their SI sessions. The manual is
used during the SI Supervisor trainings that are held in Kansas City, MO on a
quarterly basis and during custom training sessions that are held on individual
campuses. The trainings are designed to train institutional leaders to return to
their home campus and to train their own SI leaders using this and other
materials.
Wilcox, F. K. (1999). Supplemental Instruction Supervisor Manual. Kansas
City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This manual is used during training trainings to equip faculty and staff members
from other postsecondary institutions to implement their own Supplemental
Instruction (SI) programs. The interactive manual covers a wide range of
practical issues for someone who wishes to start their SI program. The manual is
used during the SI Supervisor trainings that are held in Kansas City, MO on a
quarterly basis and during custom training sessions that are held on individual
campuses.
Wilcox, F. K., & Jacobs, G. (2008).
Thirty-five years of Supplemental Instruction: Reflections on study groups and
student learning. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student
success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. vii-x) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Wilcox, F. K. (2008). Implementing a new
Supplemental Instruction program. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.),
Supplemental Instruction: Improving first-year student
success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 29-38) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Yancy, S. M. (2006). The impact of
supplemental instruction on teaching students how to learn. In M. E. Stone & G.
Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student
learning (pp. 3-10). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This chapter describes the
characteristics of today’s student population, looks at the learning theories on
which the Supplemental Instruction model is based, and provides an overview of
the benefits of and challenges to implementing SI in the twenty-first century.
Zaritsky, J. S., & Toce, A. (2006). Supplemental Instruction at a community
college: The four pillars. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental
Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning (pp. 23-32). San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This chapter describes how Supplemental Instruction has,
since, 1993, been successful in improving grades and reducing failure in
high-risk courses at LaGuardia Community College, an urban institution.
Zerger, S. (1994). Supplemental Instruction in the humanities. In D. C. Martin, & D. Arendale (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention (pp. 41-52). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Inc. Supplemental Instruction sessions in the humanities must differ from those in other disciplines because the epistemology and the axiology differ: a) prior knowledge; b) audience expectations; c) the nature of claims or evidence. Some of the issues important for many SI sessions: need to focus on the big picture; expansion of information rather than data reduction (common in science); careful use of language; importance of writing activities; and role of authority and evidence.
Zerger, S. Clark-Unite, C. & Smith, L. (2006). How Supplemental Instruction benefits faculty, administration, and institutions. In M.E. Stone & G. Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: New vision for empowering student learning. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco.
This chapter offers a case study of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa, where SI has acted as more than a student academic development program by also addressing faculty and curriculum development.
Zerger, S. (2008). Theoretical
frameworks that inform the Supplemental Instruction model. In M. E. Stone & G.
Jacobs (Eds.), Supplemental Instruction: Improving
first-year student success in high-risk courses
(No. 7, 3rd
ed., pp. 21-28) Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource
Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition.
Section Three: Journal Articles
Blanc, R. A., DeBuhr, L., &
Martin, D. C. (1983). Breaking the attrition cycle: The effects of
Supplemental Instruction on undergraduate performance and attrition.
Journal
of Higher Education, 54(1), 80-89
This article concerns an evaluation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The research study looked at the
academic performance of 746 students enrolled in seven Arts and Sciences courses
during Spring 1980. A variety of research studies were completed using data
gathered from this and subsequent academic terms. SI participants in comparison
with non-SI participants of similar demographic background earned higher levels
of academic achievement. The first study looked at mean final course grades and
the rate of D, F and course withdrawals for three groups: SI participants,
non-SI participants, and motivational control non-SI participants. Students
assigned to the motivational control group were those who, on a Likert scale,
indicated higher interest in attending SI sessions, but who were prevented from
attending because of scheduling conflicts (e.g., work, class). The final course
grades favored the SI participants (2.50, DFW rate of 18.4%, p< .01) over the
motivational control non-SI group (2.36, DFW rate of 26.5%) and other non-SI
group (1.57, DFW rate of 44.0%). SI and non-SI participants were tracked
regarding reenrollment rates for two succeeding academic terms. In both cases
the results favored the former SI participants (Fall 1980: SI 77.4% vs. non-SI
67.3%; Spring 1981: SI 73.2% vs. non-SI 60.0%). When the students were separated
by quartile groups on the basis of standardized entrance exams, SI participants
outperformed their counterparts (Top quartile: final grade SI 3.10 vs. non-SI
2.30, reenrollment following term SI 86% vs. non-SI 78%; Bottom quartile: final
grade SI 1.72 vs. non-SI 0.88, reenrollment following term SI 74% vs. non-SI
62%). There were long-term reductions in the percentage of D, F and withdrawals
in the courses where SI was offered to students (from 34% before introduction of
the SI program down to 18% during the SI program's second year). This article
was the first one published outside of developmental education publications to
gain national attention concerning the SI model.
Blanc, R. A., & Martin, D. C. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: Increasing student performance and persistence in difficult academic courses. Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 69(6), 452-454 The authors describe the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with medical students to earn higher final course grades in historically difficult courses. The SI process has been used successfully with students who are preparing for the USMLE Step I examination. The authors state that SI can strengthen a prematriculation program for students whose MCAT scores place them in the high-risk category for completing the medical school curriculum. To maximize learning efficiency for students in the prematriculation program, the authors suggest that a small-group preview session precedes each lecture and a small-group review follows. The article concludes with a short overview of Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI).
Bocock, J. (1993, February). Supplemental
Instruction: Striking a balance in the curriculum. The Lecturer (The
University & College Lecturers' Union), 7
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program is cited by Jean Bocock, Assistant
Secretary for Higher Education in the United Kingdom, as one way to deal with a
number of pressing educational needs: dealing with rising student to teacher
ratios [8.5:1 in 1980 to almost 20:1 today]; shifting towards student-centered
learning; and capitalizing upon the resources of students to teach other
students. One concern expressed by NATFHE, the University & College Lecturers'
Union, is that SI not be used as a cheap alternative to hiring trained staff and
paying them a proper salary.
Bowles, T. J., McCoy, A. C., & Bates, S.
(2008, Spring). The effect of Supplemental Instruction on timely graduation.
College Student Journal,
43 (3), 853-859.
Bowles, T. J., & Jones, J. (2004). The
effect of Supplemental Instruction on retention: A bivariate probit model.
Journal of College Student Retention: Research,
Theory, and Practice, 5(4), 431-437.
Boylan, H. R. (1999). Exploring alternatives to
remediation. Journal of Developmental Education, 22(3), 2-4, 6, 8, 10
In this journal article Dr. Hunter Boylan, Director of the National Center for
Developmental Education , the author explores five alternative ways to serve
students who previously may have been served through traditional developmental
education courses: (1) freshman year seminars; (2) Supplemental Instruction; (3)
learning communities and collaborative learning; (4) paired courses; and (5)
critical thinking instruction. For students that do not need the extensive time
required by full academic-term length developmental courses, the five
alternatives explored in the article might be as effective with the benefit of
shorter investment of time, personnel, and money. The author cited three studies
where SI has been especially effective with developmental students: (1) Blanc,
DeBuhr, &
Martin, 1983; (2) Commander, Stratton, Callahan, & Smith, 1996; and (3)
Ramirez, 1997.
Bridgham, R. G., & Scarborough, S. (1992).
Effects of Supplemental Instruction in selected medical school courses.
Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 67(10),
569-571
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the College
of Human Medicine of Michigan State University with courses in biochemistry,
physiology, pharmacology, genetics, gross anatomy, and histology. SI attendance
was mandatory for all first- and second-year students who are on probation and
optional for all others. A study of students enrolled in Biochemistry,
Physiology, and Pharmacology courses between 1988 and 1990 suggests that SI
attendance was correlated with higher mean final course grades. The authors
suggest about twenty specific activities for SI sessions. In general, SI
participants earned higher mean final course grades. The authors mentioned that
the success of the SI program has encouraged the College to maintain an
admissions policy that encourages a more diverse student population.
Burmeister, S. L. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: An interview with Deanna Martin. Journal of Developmental Education, 20(1), 22-24, 26 This is the transcript of an interview with Dr. Deanna Martin, creator of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model. Issues discussed in the interview include: new innovations in the SI model; cost effectiveness of the model; use of SI in other countries; current educational climate in higher education; disagreement with mandatory testing and placement of students into tracked developmental education programs; challenges with lecture-based educational delivery systems with increasing student learning mastery; and future opportunities for use of SI and Video-based Supplemental Instruction.
Collins, W. (1982). Some correlates of
achievement among students in a Supplemental Instruction program.
Journal of
Learning Skills, 2(1), 19-28
This article examined the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Cornell University by comparing the course-grade earned in four subjects
(chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics) and the GPA of 301 students
enrolled in these courses with College Board Scholastic Aptitude Scores (Verbal
and Math), assistance requested by the student, and high school rank. Even when
SAT-scores and high school rank are held constant as in the standard multiple
regression procedure used with this study, the results suggest that SI
attendance made a significant contribution to the academic achievement of SI
participants both with the individual course (Biology, Chemistry Mathematics)
and the overall cumulative GPA. The research suggested when comparing students
of equivalent SAT scores and high school rank, the following predictions would
be warranted, SI participants would receive the following higher grades when
compared with the non-SI counterparts: one full letter grade higher in Biology;
three-fourths of a letter grade higher in Mathematics; and one-half letter grade
higher in Chemistry. There were no predictive variables regarding final course
grades in physics. The authors suggest that the strategies learned in SI are
transferred to other courses and help improve academic achievement in those
courses as well. The SI program is aimed at students admitted to Cornell through
the Committee on Special Education Projects (COSEP). Most of these students are
members of ethnic groups or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Commander, N. E., & Smith, B. D. (1995).
Developing adjunct reading and learning courses that work.
Journal of
Reading, 38(5), 352-360
This article explores a variation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
to provide more time for students to develop reading and learning strategies.
Rather than using the voluntary peer facilitated study review sessions based on
the SI model, the learning assistance center at Georgia State University
(Atlanta, GA) chose to create an adjunct course model. Like the SI model, a
historically-difficult content course (History 113) was paired with an adjunct
course (Learning Strategies for History or LSH). Students enrolled in both
courses. Unlike SI, most students enrolled in the strategies courses were
developmental. The LSH required students to apply the learning strategies to the
companion History 113 course. Considering that the LSH students were less
prepared academically than the general student population in the History 113
course, data suggests that the adjunct course was helpful since three quarters
of the students passed the History 113 course with a final course grade of C or
higher and their mean final course grade (2.3) with nearly the same as the other
students (2.5). One of the recommendations for potential adopters of this model
is that all students in the LSH course be enrolled in the same section of the
content course (e.g., History 113). Failure to do so creates confusion in the
LSH course if there are multiple sections of the content course with professors
who may be teaching at with different rates, textbooks or content material.
Commander, N. E., Stratton, C. B., Callahan, C.
A., & Smith, B. D. (1996). A learning assistance model for expanding academic
support. Journal of Developmental Education, 20(2), 8-10, 12, 14, 16
This article provides a model for expanding the role of academic support in
higher education. A learning program that formerly offered primarily
developmental classes and a tutorial center later expanded to include
course-related services of Supplemental Instruction (SI) and adjunct courses at
Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA). During Fall 1993 a study in Political
Science 101 suggested that SI was correlated with higher mean final course
grades (2.7 for regular SI attenders, 2.4 for occasional attenders, and 1.9 for
non-SI attenders). The authors suggest ten steps for expanding academic support:
1) consider campus uniqueness; 2) identify population; 3) identify courses; 4)
build faculty support; 5) staff adjunct courses with seasoned faculty and SI
learning sessions with thoroughly trained leaders; 6) market programs at several
levels; 7) provide feedback to the professor of the content course throughout
the quarter or semester; 8) involve the administration; 9) keep records; and 10)
disseminate information.
Congos, D. H., Bain, D. W. (2001). A board work and note formatting model for learning mathematics coursework using writing. The Learning Center Newsletter. http://www.attendance-tracking.com/Newsletter/Dec01.htm
Congos, D. H. Schoeps, Nancy (2003). Inside Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions: One model of what happens that improves grades and retention revisited. Journal of Student Centered Learning, 1 (3), 159-170. (reprint)
Congos, Dennis, Stout, Barbara M. (2001). 20 FAQ's from Faculty about Supplemental Instruction Programs. Research and Teaching in Developmental Education v18 n1 p41-49. Offers answers to 20 questions most frequently asked by faculty concerning supplemental instruction (SI) programs. Explains that SI instructors are usually students who have successfully completed a course that has been targeted as high-risk. States that students who attend SI sessions have a high course success rate overall, and that they persist and graduate at higher rates than other students.
Congos, D. H., Langsam, D. M., & Schoeps, N.
(1997). Supplemental Instruction: A successful approach to learning how to learn
College Introductory Biology. The Journal of Teaching and Learning, 2(1),
2-17
This article reviews the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of North Carolina at Charlotte with students enrolled in Introductory Biology
(Biology 1110), the first course of a two semester introductory biology sequence
for non-majors. The data from Fall 1990 and Spring 1991 suggests that
participation in SI has a positive impact on student academic performance. The
final score for the SI participants was higher (Fall 1990: 2.72 vs. 1.94; Spring
1991: 2.83 vs. 1.95); the rate of A, B and C final course grades was higher
(Fall 1990: 86.3% vs. 65.4%; Spring 1991: 78.6% vs. 62.5%); and the rate of D, F
and course withdrawals was lower (Fall 1990: 13.7% vs. 34.6%; Spring 1991: 21.4%
vs. 37.5%). A variety of additional statistical tests were conducted to test for
the intervening nature of other variables (e.g., SAT verbal, SAT quantitative,
SAT sum of SATV and SATQ, high school rank, predicted grade point average before
matriculation based on SAT verbal and quantitative). After these additional
tests, participation in SI was still found to be statistically significant.
Congos, D. H., & Schoeps, N. (1993). Does
Supplemental Instruction really work and what is it anyway?
Studies in Higher
Education, 18(2), 165-176
The authors describe the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program as it operates at
the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 1987 to 1990. The initial
portion of the article provides a general overview of the SI program. The Fall
1988 research study suggested that SI participation was positively correlated
with higher mean final course grades (2.391 vs. 1.894) and lower withdrawals
(17.7% vs. 37.9%). These favorable results are so in spite of the fact that SI
attendees enter college with lower predicted academic potential.
Congos, D. H., & Schoeps, N. (1994). Does
Supplemental Instruction really work and what is it anyway?
Educational
Administration Abstracts, 29(1), 52-53
This is a short summary of the authors article -- Does Supplemental Instruction
really work and what is it anyway? -- that originally appeared in Studies in
Higher Education (1993), vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 165-176. The authors describe the
Supplemental Instruction (SI) program as it operates at the University of North
Carolina at Charlotte from 1987 to 1990. The Fall 1988 research study suggested
that SI participation was positively correlated with higher mean final course
grades (2.391 vs. 1.894) and lower withdrawals (17.7% vs. 37.9%).
Congos, D. H., & Schoeps, N. (1997). A model for
evaluating retention programs. Journal of Developmental Education, 21(2),
2-4, 6, 8, 24
This article presents a step-by-step model for analyzing the impact of retention
programs on students. Data from a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program is used
to demonstrate how this research is done. The seven steps include: identify the
relevant variables; for each student in the class, gather the data on the
independent variables chosen in Step 1; maintain on-going data on the
information needed for the dependent variables; enter the data into a computer
in an organized format that eases analysis; define the criteria that determines
who is an attendee or participant; analyze the data using an appropriate data
analysis software package; and set up the results in a readable manner,
including relevant narratives necessary to explain and clarify the data. To
illustrate the seven-step method, the researchers analyze the SI data from their
campus regarding improved final course grades, reduction of D/F/W, and projected
cost savings.
Congos, D. H., & Schoeps, N. (1998). Inside
Supplemental Instruction sessions: One model of what happens that improves
grades and retention. Research and Teaching in Developmental Education, 15(1),
47-61
After providing an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model, the
authors describe three basic modes of operation in SI sessions: 1) building
complete and accurate lecture notes; 2) formulating possible examination
questions and answers; 3) conduct post examination survey. The cost
effectiveness of the SI program was calculated on the basis of increased
retention rates of SI participants. A study was conducted at the University of
North Carolina at Charlotte with students enrolled in Introductory Biology
(Biology 1110), the first course of a two semester introductory biology sequence
for non-majors. The data from Fall 1990 suggests that participation in SI has a
positive impact on student academic performance. The final score for the SI
participants was higher (2.59 vs. 1.94); the rate of A, B and C final course
grades was higher (86.3% vs. 65.5%); and the rate of D, F and course withdrawals
was lower (13.7% vs. 34.5%). A variety of additional statistical tests were
conducted to test for the intervening nature of other variables (e.g., SAT
verbal, SAT quantitative, SAT sum of SATV and SATQ, high school rank, predicted
grade point average before matriculation based on SAT verbal and quantitative).
After these additional tests, participation in SI was still found to be
statistically significant.
Congos, D. H., & Schoeps, N. (1999). Methods to
determine the impact of SI programs on colleges and universities.
Journal of
College Student Retention, 1(1), 59-82. Direct reprint requests to: Dennis
H. Congos, Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, University of Central Florida,
Student Academic Resource Center, PC1 102, Orlando, FL 32816-3115.
This article presents three categories of approaches to assess the impact of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) on an institution: anecdotal information,
descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. For SI programs required to
justify their existence, the methods in this article presents assessment devices
from simple testimony to rigorous inferential statistical data.
Donelan, M. (1995). An enterprising start:
Innovative teaching and learning at the University College London.
Universe:
Innovation and Excellence at the University of Central Lancashire, 7(1),
14-15
This article describes a number of innovative learning practices being
implemented at the University College London (the largest and oldest college in
the federal University of London). Supplemental Instruction (SI) is one of the
featured learning strategies at UCL. Paul Kohler, Sub-Dean in the Faculty of
Laws cites benefits of the SI program that include: facilitates students'
learning and understanding; prepares them for employment since they will have
better skills for learning and applying new concepts.
Donelan, M., & Kay, P. (1998). Supplemental
Instruction: Students helping students' learning at University College London
(UCL) and University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN).
The International Journal
of Legal Education, 32(3), 287-299
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program is used to meet the needs of first
year students in their academic and personal development within the Law
faculties of the University College London (UCL) and the University of Central
Lancashire (UCLAN). The United Kingdom expansion of the SI model develops more
holistically in cognitive and affective aspects of learning for both SI
participants and SI leaders. The three law courses that had SI attached to them
were English Legal System, Obligations 1, and Lawyers' Skills. There are several
variations of SI within the UK use of the model: SI leaders are instructed to
focus on facilitating the group discussion and not presenting course content
material; SI leaders academic credit for their service through evaluation of a
portfolio. Higher grades were recorded for SI participants and SI leaders when
compared with non-participants. Interviews with SI participants revealed the
following SI program benefits: enhanced academic understanding; enjoyed active
learning; opportunity to clarify concepts; enjoyed the social aspects of meeting
students of other classes; and developed personal confidence and reassurance.
Benefits cited by the SI leaders included: opportunity to help others; developed
communication, presentation, and leadership skills; increased knowledge of the
academic content of the course.
Eastmond, J. N. (1997). Five academic development
programs in the Eastern Cape Province: Reactions of an American academic in
South Africa. Educational Technology Research & Development, 45(3),
129-134
This article describes the academic development programs at four tertiary
institutions in South Africa (University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth
Technikon, Rhodes University, and the University of Ft. Hare) as well as the
development of a fifth new program at Border Technikon. Topics include
cross-cultural differences; interviews; Supplemental Instruction (SI) that
combined staff development and student academic development; integration of
media support; and stages of program development. The author describes how a
former SI student leader at the University of Port Elizabeth had been hired as
an instructor at Border Technikon. Based on interviews, the previous experience
as SI leader had a direct impact upon the new instructor's style of
instructional delivery which utilized a high degree of academic inquiry and
guided classroom discussion. The author commented about how the SI program was
able to combine both staff development and student academic development. While
this was a common pattern with South African institutions, the author commented
that this was largely unknown in the U.S. The author subscribed to a four-stage
model for faculty development previously articulated by DeBloois and Alder,
1974: 1). Awareness: through guest speakers, newsletters, and similar low impact
activities; 2). Faculty support: small grants to faculty, seminars or trainings
on aspects of tertiary teaching; 3). Faculty skills: larger investment in course
development, more extensive involvement of individual faculty; and 4).
Departmental curriculum: extensive development of a series of courses in the
curriculum, organizational development efforts to change the prevailing reward
structure.
Eastmond, J. N., Bartlett, G., & Terblanche, N.
(1997). Planning for student involvement in a program of Supplemental
Instruction. Educational Technology Research and Development, 45(3),
134-140
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is used at Border Technikon (South Africa) to
increase student achievement in the Accounting and Management academic
departments. The article describes the ways student involvement has been
maintained through enlisting support from the Student Representative Council
(SRC). Article topics include: training, funding considerations, effectiveness,
student response, and student achievement results. A grant provided through the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Tertiary Education
Linkages Project (TELP) was used to start the SI program. The grant's major
goals are to enhance staff and student development, both of which were enhanced
through the SI program. SI leaders reported the following benefits to them from
participation in the SI program: gained confidence in public speaking; developed
new teaching strategies; and enjoyed more interaction with the course lecturers.
Surveys of SI participants identified the following suggestions to improve the
SI program: assign the same place each week for SI sessions; SI leaders should
prepare before SI sessions to provide structure in case the attending students
do not have a full agenda of items; SI leaders should receive additional
interpersonal discussion group skill training; and that times should be set
aside in class scheduling to allow for SI sessions to be scheduled. Analysis of
final course examinations revealed that the number and percent of students who
passed the final examination had doubled after the introduction of the SI
program. The author found stated that this was remarkable considering that the
class size had increased significantly, straining the ability of the course
instructor to deal with the additional workload of students.
Eig, J. (1997, Spring). Supplemental Instruction
programs: An effective way to increase student academic success?
Journal of
The Indiana University Student Personnel Association,
11-15
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is used at Indiana University (Bloomington) to
increase academic achievement and retention. This article provides a basic
overview of the SI program and data concerning its effectiveness at the
institution. Challenges for implementing SI include: administratively SI
programs require considerable coordination; SI leaders must be carefully
selected for their academic and interpersonal skills; SI leaders must be trained
prior to the academic term and receive supervision throughout the term; students
must make a time commitment to attend SI sessions; and the institution must have
sufficient professional staff to supervise the SI program.
Etter, E. R., Burmeister, S. L., & Elder, R. J.
(in press). Supplemental Instruction in Accounting Principles courses.
Accounting Education: Journal of Theory, Practice, and Research,
This study reports on student performance, and failure and withdrawal rates for
9,053 students enrolled in 132 Principles of Accounting classes from 21
four-year colleges and universities that have adopted the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. The overall SI participation rate was 26.8 percent.
After providing an overview of the SI model, the data study concerning
accounting occupies the rest of the paper. SI participants were found to have
statistically significant higher average course grades (2.44 vs. 2.12), lower
failure rates (5.9% vs. 15.3%) and lower withdrawal rates (10.6% vs. 19.8%) than
non-participants enrolled in the target courses.
Farmer, B. (1991, Autumn). Helping learners to
help themselves. Teaching and Learning Bulletin,
(7), 2-3
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at several
institutions in England. The author, a member of the Learning Methods Unit at
Birmingham Polytechnic, describes research that was shared at a SI training
coordinated by Kingston Polytechnic and the World Wild Life Fund for Nature.
Fitzgerald, N. (1997). The dropout dilemma.
Careers and Colleges Magazine, 18(2), 14-17, 26
This article reviews the causes and cures for the high rate of college drop
outs. The author interviewed a number of people for the article. One of those
interviewed and quoted in the article is David Arendale, National Project
Director for Supplemental Instruction (SI). Arendale describes how SI and its
newest variation, Video-based Supplemental Instruction help students to
integrate "what to learn" with "how to learn it.".
Fjortoft, N., Bentley, R., Crawford, D., &
Russell, J. C. (1993). Evaluation of a Supplemental Instruction program at a
college of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 57(3),
247-251
The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in terms of improved final grades,
the effectiveness of the Supplemental Instruction program with students enrolled
in a required first year pharmacy course at the University of Illinois at
Chicago College of Pharmacy. Regular SI attendance was found to be significantly
and positively related to final course grades for minority students. The authors
postulate that the SI program might have been more effective if the SI program
had been started the first week of class rather than being delayed until the
third week. An additional factor that may have diminished the statistical impact
of the SI program was that funds were not available to hire additional SI
leaders since the average SI attendance at every session through the academic
term was 52. The authors speculate that smaller groups might have been more
helpful than these large groups since students could have been more active and
be able to vocally participate with others.
Gaddis, B. A. (1994). The science learning
center. Education, 115(2), 195-201
This article describes the services provided by the Science Learning Center at
the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. The Center had three primary
objectives: (1) to identify the mathematical, computational, and conceptual
skills needed by science students; (2) to assist students to master basic
conceptual, mathematical, and computational skills that are common to most
science disciplines; and (3) to develop skills in the use of basic and specific
laboratory instrumentation required in most science disciplines. To help meet
the second goal, Supplemental Instruction (SI) was offered in connection with
historically-difficult science courses (e.g., physics or organic chemistry).
Research studies suggested that SI participants received higher mean final
course grades. Since the Center's creation in 1992: the number of students
enrolled in basic science classes increased by 12 percent; the number of
declared science majors increased by 37 percent; 72.1 percent of students who
used services from the Center received a grade of B- or better; cum GPA of
students who used the Center's services had an average of 3.03 vs. 2.49 for
those who did not; the rate of attrition of science classes dramatically dropped
(e.g., Chemistry I, the rate decreased from 39.7 percent to 5.7 percent; Physics
III, 16.5 percent decreased to 4.8 percent; Biology I, 16.7 percent decreased to
3.2 percent. SI was one component of a comprehensive Center that contributed to
these positive outcomes.
Gattis, Kenneth W. (2002). Responding to Self-Selection Bias in Assessments of Academic Support Programs: A Motivational Control Study of Supplemental Instruction. Learning Assistance Review v7 n2 p26-36. Argues that a controlled study of Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions in college chemistry showed that participants benefited from SI sessions to an extent that cannot be explained only by their higher levels of motivation. Reports that SI includes services such as one-on-one, drop-in, and group tutoring.
Gunn, Barbara, Smolkowski, Keith, Biglan, Anthony, Black, Carol. (2002). Supplemental Instruction in Decoding Skills for Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Students in Early Elementary School: A Follow-Up. Journal of Special Education v36 n2 p69-79. A study involving 195 Hispanic and non-Hispanic students (grades K-2) with reading difficulties found that children who received supplemental reading instruction that taught basic decoding and comprehension skills for two years performed better on measures of word attack, word identification, oral reading fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension than comparison students.
Gunn, Barbara, Biglan, Anthony, Smolkowski, Keith, Ary, Dennis. (2000). The Efficacy of Supplemental Instruction in Decoding Skills for Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Students in Early Elementary School. Journal of Special Education v34 n2 p90-103. A study evaluated the effects of supplemental reading instruction for 256 students in kindergarten through Grade 3 (158 Hispanic). Children who received the supplemental reading instruction performed significantly better on measures of word attack, word identification, oral reading fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension after 15 to 16 months of instruction.
Gunning, F. (1993, February). Supplemental
Instruction is not teaching. The Lecturer (The University & College
Lecturers' Union), 2
This article describes how Supplemental Instruction (SI) is not used as a
replacement for teaching by course instructors. The author is a professional
tutor at Kingston University in England and is a member of the teacher's union.
The author describes the unique benefits that SI provides for students: peer
support; modeling of study strategies; focuses on learning, not teaching.
Faculty and tutors that have SI attached to their courses are supportive of the
SI program since it provides different services to students than their provide.
They see no conflict in roles for them.
Hafer, Gary R. (2001). Ideas in Practice: Supplemental Instruction in Freshman Composition. Journal of Developmental Education v24 n3 p30-37. Contends that, in the past, supplemental instruction (SI) has been underutilized in freshman composition courses, based on the assumption that SI is solely a need-based program. Argues that the goals of SI and freshman composition courses are actually complementary, and that collaboration between the two would link the classroom with academic assistance.
Hodges, Russ, Dochen, Carol W., Joy, Donna. (2001). Increasing Students' Success: When Supplemental Instruction Becomes Mandatory. Journal of College Reading and Learning v31 n2 p143-56. Finds that students in both mandated and voluntary Supplemental Instruction groups (academic support led by peer facilitators) in a high-risk, required, freshman-level, writing-intensive United States History course earned significantly higher course grades and semester grade point averages than students in the non-SI group. Finds no significant differences between voluntary and mandated SI participation.
Hodges, Russ ; White, William G. (2001). Encouraging High-Risk Student Participation in Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. Journal of Developmental Education v24 n3 p2-10, 43. Investigates the effect of high-risk students' use of self-monitoring strategies and instructors' use of verbal prompts on students' participation in tutoring and supplemental instruction, and on academic achievement. Finds a significant difference between mean semester GPA of supplemental instruction attendees and non-attendees, but none between tutoring participants and non-participants.
Hodges, R. B., Sellers. Diana E, & White, W. G.
(1994). Peer teaching: The use of facilitators in college classes.
Journal of
College Reading and Learning, 26(2), 23-29
This article discusses the use of peer students as facilitators in the learning
process. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is cited as another example of these
student-led peer groups. The authors cite Maxwell (1992) when stating that SI is
the best known and has the widest acceptance of any course-related learning
program. A facilitator is defined as a facilitator as an undergraduate teaching
assistant engaged in collaboratively teaching a college course alongside the
instructor. While facilitators may perform some clerical duties, the focus of
their work is to foster student learning. Common activities for facilitators
include: through hosting smaller outside-of-class sessions make large classes
more personable; turn lecture material by asking questions; share from a
student's perspective another way to think about the lecture material; provide
individual feedback to students; supervise small student work groups; provide
role models of active learning; give encouragement; and change the classroom
climate. Critical elements for a successful facilitator: be carefully selected
by the instructor and perhaps a team of other student facilitators; training
both before and during the academic term; evaluation by student and
self-administered surveys.
Jenkins, A. (1994). Thirteen ways of doing
fieldwork with large classes/more students. Journal of Geography in Higher
Education, 18(2), 143-155
This article describes thirteen strategies for geography instructors to consider
to increase instructional effectiveness with large classes. The article is
addressed to geography teachers and other field-based subjects in the United
Kingdom. Suggestion number suggests finding ways to add new members to the
academic staff. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is suggested as a way to involve
students in helping to teach each other in large classes.
Kauffman, D., & Wolfe, R. F. (1990). Supplemental
Instruction with mentoring support: A vehicle for faculty development.
The
Journal of Staff, Program, and Organization Development, 8(2), 101-104
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at Anne Arundel Community College
(Arnold, MD) was modified to use faculty members as SI supervisors. While this
was the initial focus for the faculty members, the mentor role evolved into an
opportunity for them to observe colleagues and to grow as teachers. Faculty
mentors were placed in classes outside their own discipline. The classroom
instructor and faculty mentor would meet periodically to provide feedback to
each other and discuss strategies to improve instructional effectiveness.
Koch, E., & Mallon, P. (1998). Evaluation of
Supplemental Instruction: A performance assessment approach.
South African
Journal of Higher Education, 12(3), 173-178.
This article about the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) was originally
presented at the South African Association for Academic Development Conference
in Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa. This research investigation assesses
the performance of the SI program in terms of efficiency, quality, and
effectiveness. Three concern areas were identified: voluntary attendance in SI
sessions, unstructured approach in science courses, and ineffectiveness in
increasing the pass rate of very under-prepared students. Key factors associated
with positive program outcomes included: skill and ability of the SI leader with
both facilitation but also knowledge/enthusiasm for the subject; involvement and
support of the course lecturer; type of work covered in SI sessions; training
both initially and ongoing of SI leaders; and more structure in SI sessions in
science and other problem-solving areas.
Kochenour, E. O., Jolley, D. S., Kaup, J. G.,
Patrick, D. L., Roach, K. D., & Wenzler, L. A. (1997). Supplemental Instruction:
An effective component of student affairs programming.
Journal of College
Student Development, 38(6), 577-586
The effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction (SI) was examined using 11,000
participants enrolled in eight courses at the University of Utah, a large
research university. Corelational analyses and analysis of covariance support
the hypothesis that SI is an effective program. The data was collected between
Autumn 1992 and Spring 1994. Students on average attended about 3.7 times for
each academic quarter. There was a positive correlation between higher grades
and higher levels of attendance in SI: zero, 2.387; 1 to 2, 2.597; and 3 or more
times, 2.848. Though students of various previous levels of academic achievement
attended SI in similar patterns, research suggests that SI sessions had the most
impact on students with lower previous grade point averages. Additional analysis
examined the interaction of SI performance and class size, PGPA and other
variables. An unusual finding was that the percent of SI attendance decreased
with increasing class size.
Linan-Thompson, Sylvia, Hickman-Davis, Peggy (2002). Supplemental Reading Instruction for Students at Risk for Reading Disabilities: Improve Reading 30 Minutes at a Time. Learning Disabilities: Research & Practice v17 n4 p242-51
Lockie, N. M., & Van Lanen, R. J. (1991).
Utilizing Supplemental Instruction to enhance student performance in a freshman
level chemistry course. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of
Science, 84(10), 10
This abstract describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with
entry-level chemistry students at Saint Xavier University (Chicago, IL).
Loviscek, A. L., & Cloutier, N. R. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction and the enhancement of student performance in economics
principles. American Economist, 41(2), 70-76
The authors presented an empirical evaluation of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
in an economics principles course at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Using
a two-equation model and student transcript data readily available to
instructors and academic researchers, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of
the SI program in economics principles. The analysis explicitly considers the
confounding factor of self-selection in program participation. They found that
ordinary least squares significantly underestimates the positive impact of SI.
The results suggest that formal programs designed to increase the intensity of
instruction can have a demonstrable payoff in the form of increased student
learning.
Lundeberg, M. A. (1990). Supplemental Instruction
in chemistry. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 27(2), 145-155
This two-year study (148 students) at the University of Wisconsin (River Falls,
WI) was designed to measure some effects of Supplemental Instruction in General
Organic and Biological chemistry courses. Goals of the SI program included:
develop conceptual understandings; articulate both understandings and
misconceptions in a think-aloud fashion; connect, relate, and integrate
scientific information; develop confidence and ability in problem solving; and
learn how to learn science. Some of the challenges with students are: motivating
students to use problem-solving strategies; failure to accurately understand the
problem before using a problem-solving strategy; attempt to use rote memory when
solving; and failure to integrate new material with old. Quantitative studies
suggested that SI contributed to higher mean final grades (2.80 vs. 2.26, p <
.002) and lower rates of D, F and withdrawals for SI participants. Qualitative
studies of SI participant comments suggested that SI was helpful in a variety of
ways. In addition, SI leaders maintained journals. Six themes emerged from the
journals: accommodating needs of diverse learners; understanding versus
memorizing; depth versus breadth of discussion; relationships between ability,
knowledge, and confidence; social relationships with students; and challenges to
SI leaders' knowledge. The first three of these themes represent tensions that
reoccurred several times over the academic term.
Lundeberg, M. A., & Moch, S. D. (1995). Influence
of social interaction on cognition: Connected learning in science.
Journal of
Higher Education, 66(3), 312-335
This article explores the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) for increasing
the academic success of women in science. "Connected knowing" -- a preferred
learning environment for women that is a personal, cooperative approach to
learning -- is thought by some to more naturally occur in SI sessions rather
than the traditional pedagogical style used by most classroom professors. A
research study of nursing students at the University of Wisconsin (River Falls)
was conducted to test this idea. Qualitative research studies of the SI sessions
suggested the following themes: spirit of cooperation, a circle of community, a
shift of power to the SI participants, and risk-taking behavior (acknowledge
uncertainty, experiment new ideas without fear of lower grades or punishment).
Cognitive learning aspects included confirming the capacity for learning
(encouragement), calibrated teaching (SI leader adjusted SI session agenda), and
connected learning (placing abstract class lectures into context of personal
lives). The article author provides several suggestions on how the classroom
professor can introduce several of the SI session activities into their lecture
sessions.
Martin, Deanna C., Blanc, Robert. (2001). Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI). Journal of Developmental Education v24 n3 p12-19, 45. Describes Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI), developed at the University of Missouri (Kansas City), as an interactive processing and delivery system that helps high-risk students master rigorous course content. States that VSI shows improvements for students at many levels and that participants of VSI had significantly higher rates of A’s and B’s as course grades.
Martin, D. C., & Blanc, R. A. (1981). The learning center's role in
retention: Integrating student support services with departmental instruction.
Journal of Developmental and Remedial Education, 4(3), 2-4, 21-23
This article provides a historical background for the creation of the
Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Research studies of SI in a first-year American history course at UMKC during
Fall 1980 suggest the following: SI participants earned a higher percent of A
and B final course grades (54.1% vs. 38.9%); had a lower rate of D, F and
withdrawal grades (21.7% vs. 42.4%); had a higher rate of reenrollment the
following academic term (86.2% vs. 72.1%); and there was no statistically
significant differences (e.g., prior academic achievement, standardized test
scores) between SI and non-SI participants.
Martin, D. C., & Blanc, R. A. (1984). Improving reading comprehension
through reciprocal questioning. Life Long Learning, 7(4), 29-31
"Reciprocal questioning" is a technique that promotes active learning. It helps
students: a) become aware of the implicit as well as the explicit meaning of a
reading passage; b) improve their analytic skills with respect to reading; c)
improve their reasoning; and d) strengthen the questioning skills that are
integral to comprehension. Reciprocal questioning is adapted from Manzo's "The
ReQuest Procedure." Reciprocal questioning is a strategy used as appropriate
with Supplemental Instruction or Video-based Supplemental Instruction sessions.
Martin, D. C., Blanc, R. A., & Arendale, D. (1994). Mentorship in the classroom: Making the implicit explicit. Teaching Excellence, 6(1), 1-2 Based upon experiences gained through the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, the authors make a number of suggestions on how faculty members can use SI strategies in their classes. Some suggestions include: remind students of the "big picture" throughout the academic term of the most important concepts; refer to the syllabus during the term so that students will value and use it; share the thinking process that the professor uses to solve the problems with the students; administer a short examination with low grade impact early in the academic term to give students an opportunity to test their comprehension level and encourage them to modify study behaviors and perhaps seek academic support (e.g., SI); provide visual matrices during lectures to give models to students on how to organize the material; and make explicit what is expected on examinations.
Martin, D. C., & Gravina, M. (1990). Serving students where they fail: In
class. Thresholds in Education, 16(3), 26, 28-30
This article provides a general overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model. Rather than focusing on "at-risk" students, the authors suggest that the
emphasis should be placed on identifying historically difficult courses that
create an environment that may be challenging for any student, despite previous
academic success in other courses.
Martin, D.C. & Wilcox, K. Supplemental Instruction: Helping Students Help Each other. S. Brown (Series Ed.) & G. Wisker (Vol. Ed.). Enabling student learning: Systems and strategies (pp. 97-101), Staff and Educational Development Association. London: Kogan Page.
Maxwell, M. (1987). Improving student learning
skills: An update. Journal of Educational Opportunity, 3(1), 1-9
In an overview of strategies for students to employ in developing their learning
skills, the author provides a short overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program. SI is an example of a program that rather than being
student-oriented is instead content-oriented and/or process-oriented.
Maxwell, M. (1990). Does tutoring help? A look at
the literature. Review of Research in Developmental Education, 7(4), 1-5
The author reviews the research on tutoring and examines the problems of doing
research in this area. Research studies generally are unable to show that
individual tutoring, by itself, leads to higher grades for developmental
students. Some studies suggest tutoring is beneficial for high ability students.
Supplemental Instruction is cited as an approach that research suggests does
improve student academic achievement.
Maxwell, M. (1992). Cost effective alternatives
to tutoring. Journal of Learning Improvement, 1(1), 1-4
The author reviews several academic support programs that serve as alternatives
to traditional tutoring since there is very little evidence that generally peer
tutoring directly affects the student's grades. The article provides an overview
of Supplemental Instruction (SI) and adjunct courses. The article reports on a
1986 data study that examined the use of SI at a geographically diverse
collection of 35 institutions that had offered SI to 4,276 students in 154
classes of a variety of academic disciplines. The data suggests SI has a
positive impact upon raising final course grades (2.44 vs. 1.78) and reducing D,
F and course withdrawal rates (20% vs. 35%) and higher graduation rates within
six years for SI participants (30.6% vs. 18.2%). It is suggested that part of
the reason for SI's positive impact is that there is immediate transfer of the
study strategies to course content.
Maxwell, W. E. (1998). Supplemental Instruction,
learning communities, and studying together. Community College Review, 26(2),
1
This study was designed to investigate the extent to which peer relations
increased among students who participated in a modified program of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) at a large community college in California. SI was modified by
using instructors from the regular courses and, to a lesser extent, by financial
aid counselors. Only financial aid recipients from 19 courses were invited to
attend voluntary SI sessions. This allowed the study to more clearly study the
impact of SI with low-income students. SI participants received a $100 grant if
they attended weekly for the 16 week academic term (only 22% of SI participants
earned the grant). Research suggests that the SI trainings promoted the growth
of student study networks. At least 20% to 25% more of the SI students reported
studying with other students and joining a study group outside of class.
McCarthy, A., Smuts, B., & Cosser, M. (1997).
Assessing the effectiveness of Supplemental Instruction: A critique and a case
study. Studies in Higher Education, 22(2), 221-231
This article argues that methods of assessing effectiveness of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) have been inadequate. The authors suggest ways of isolating SI
effects on student achievement, and recommends broadening research methods to
include qualitative forms of assessment and use of multivariate linear
regression analysis of quantitative data. The article concludes with a case
study at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa that
suggests that SI is highly effective in raising academic achievement of students
from both low and high previous levels of academic performance. It may be that
the authors' concerns are based on an unclear understanding of the differences
between the educational systems in South Africa and the U.S. and how student
variables are used in data analysis. Also, a more complete review of current
published SI research methodology would reveal that many of their suggestions
regarding qualitative and quantitative research methodology have already been
implemented.
McGlone, F. D. (1996). Student peer mentors: A
teaching and learning strategy designed to promote cooperative approaches to
learning and the development of lifelong learning skills.
Queensland
University of Technology Law Journal, 12, 201-220.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at two classes in
Australia's Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Law. SI was
contextualized for use within the law curriculum as was described as a Student
Peer Mentor (SPM) program. The program concentrated on improving qualitative
learning outcomes for the students: promote student use of deep approaches to
learning, develop generic lifelong learning skills, and increase student
autonomy while encouraging them to work and learn cooperatively with their
peers. Several unique features of SPM are identified: selected classes are not
historically difficult, the class instructor and the SPM supervisor are the same
person, and that the class has always provided a one hour staff-led small group
seminar for each two hours of lecture. Other than those previously noted , many
common features are shared by SI and SPM.
Murray, M. H. (1996, November). Alternative to
lecturer-centred teaching enhances student learning and costs no more.
Academic Staff Development Unit Update (Queensland University of Technology,
Australia), 6-7.
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the School of
Civil Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (Australia). A basic
engineering statics course in the first year has been transformed from a
traditional lecturer-centered teaching mode into a student-centered
resource-based model. Central to this transformation has been the integration of
SI into the course. The SI sessions focus on interaction, discussion, and
investigation rather than just simple problem solving. Before integration of SI
in the course the total class (SI and non-SI students) mean final score was 46,
in 1996 after the integration the score increased to 55. These results are based
on the aggregated score from four quizzes during the semester, from a spaghetti
bridge design/build/test project, and from a final end-of-semester exam. Based
on standardized scores, the students in 1996 were less academically prepared
than the ones in 1994 before SI was introduced. The SI participants received a
higher mean final percentile grade in each year of the study (1995: 48 vs. 41;
1996: 56 vs. 42). There was a positive increase in final course score and higher
levels of SI attendance. Students evaluated the SI session most useful of all
course components ( SI sessions, 53%; lecture, 22%; text book, 16%; study guide,
13%; and tutorial, 9%). SI leaders mentioned the following benefits of the
program for themselves: increased skill in group management; improved public
speaking; gained skills in team building; increased group facilitation skills;
improved personal time management; and increased interest from potential
employers because of skills developed as a SI leader.
Murray, M. H. (1997, October). Better learning
through curricular design at a reduced cost. Journal of the American Society
of Engineering Education, 1-5.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the School of
Civil Engineering, at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. After an
initial discussion of the changes economic and educational trends in Australia,
the report reviews the use of SI with students in a first year engineering
course (Engineering Mechanics 1). It is an introduction to rigid body statics,
equilibrium, moments, forces, and properties of plane areas. Using the
Australian system of 7 point grading (1 = lowest, 7 = highest), the data
suggests that the performance of SI participants was higher than non-SI
participants (1995: 3.3 vs. 2.7; 1996: 4.4 vs. 2.8). Due to the use of SI, the
course was restructured with a reduction of professor lecture time. This
resulted in a lower student unit cost. Before SI's introduction, the student
unit cost was more than $51 in 1994 (each week 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of
tutorials) and was reduced to less than $42 in 1997 (each week one hour of
lecture, one hour of tutorial, one hour of SI, study guides, computer exercises,
and E-mail).
Murray, M. H. (1997). Students, learning
resources: An inseparable triad. Australian Journal of Engineering Education,
7(2), 129.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the School of
Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (Australia) with two first year
engineering courses. SI is compared with the traditional, lecture-centered model
of learning. The introductory engineering courses were reorganized to integrate
SI into the learning delivery system. Based on the seven point grading scale
employed in Australian education (1 = low; 7 = high), the academic performance
of students with SI was raised to 4.3 from the previous level of 3.0 before the
introduction of the SI model.
O'Donnell, L. E. (1996). Inclusion for learning
disabilities: Technology with learning variables research and Supplemental
Instruction. International Journal of Special Education, 11(2), 27-32
Learning Variables Research and Supplemental Instruction (LVR/SI) provide an
innovative approach to inclusion for intellectually normal and gifted students
with learning disabilities. The original Supplemental Instruction (SI) model is
generally used with traditional college undergraduate and graduate students.
Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) allows enrolled high school or
college students view the videotaped lectures of a college level course (e.g.,
Western Civilization, General Chemistry) and allow them opportunity to control
the flow of information (e.g., stop, repeat, discuss material before
proceeding). SI, and especially VSI, can be very helpful for students with
learning disabilities since they can be served inside the same content class
rather than requiring an additional class for the students to attend to deal
with their specialized learning needs. The LVR/SI approach refines either the SI
or VSI model with individualized learning variables and computer technology for
application in junior high, senior high, and higher education. Rather than using
video tape with VSI, computer technology might be substituted. In addition, the
SI leader or VSI facilitator is provided critical information about students
with disabilities. This technology-based program allows individuals with
learning disabilities to succeed academically in integrated, inclusive
classrooms.
Ogden, P., Thompson, D., Russell, A., & Simons, C. (2003). Supplemental Instruction: Short- and long-term impact. Journal of Developmental Education, 26(3), pp. 2-8.
This article discussed a study that was performed to assess SI for short- and long-term impact on college academic performance and retention.
Ota, Kenji R. ; DuPaul, George J. (2002). Task Engagement and Mathematics Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects of Supplemental Computer Instruction. School Psychology Quarterly v17 n3 p242-57. Study examines the effects of using software with a game format (as a supplement to teacher instruction) to improve math performance of fourth- to sixth-grade students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The hypothesis that math software with a game format would improve the academic performance and increase attention of all participants was partially supported. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Patt, G. R. (1996). The best way to learn is to
teach. Biosource, 4(2)
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) as a form of
peer-group instruction in biology at Southern Illinois University at
Edwardsville. SI leaders report benefits for them since it helps them to prepare
for comprehensive examinations such as MCAT or GRE as well as developing
teaching skills. Data from Fall 1995 reports that those who attended SI session
four or more times earned a mean final course grade of a low B, those who
attended one to three times earned a C, and those who did not attend any SI
sessions earned a high D grade.
Peled, O. N., & Kim, A. C. (1996). Evaluation of
Supplemental Instruction at the college level. The Learning Assistance
Review: The Journal of the Midwest College Learning Center Association, 1(2),
23-31. Available: ERIC Document Reproduction Service, ED 410 777.
This article analyzed the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model as it was used in
14 sections of the same high-risk biology course between Winter 1990 through
Winter 1993 at National-Louis University (Chicago, IL) which is a multicultural,
multiethnic university campus. Rather than reviewing a comparison of SI and
non-SI attendees within the same class, the comparison was the academic
performance of students in classes that had SI available and classes that did
not. The researchers believed that this was another way to help control for the
possible effects of student motivation. Examination grades indicated that the
average grade of students in classes that had SI sessions was significantly
higher than that of students in classes where SI sessions were not offered
(scale 0 to 100: SI classes, 74.1 percentile vs. 67.6 non-SI classes, p < .05).
Within classes that had SI sessions offered for students, SI participants earned
a final course grade 12 percent higher than non-SI participants. In classes in
which an SI leader was available, the number of students receiving grades below
60 percent decreased; whereas, the number of students receiving grades above 80
percent increased.
Price, M., & Rust, C. (1995). Laying firm
foundations: The long-term benefits of Supplemental Instruction for students in
large introductory courses. Innovations in Education and Training
International, 32 (2), 123-130
This article contains the results of the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to
support student learning in business modules at Oxford Brookes University in the
United Kingdom. The courses were selected due to their large size and the need
to ensure mastery of course material that was prerequisite for the next course
in the sequence. Quantitative and qualitative studies in 1993-94 suggest that SI
was beneficial in increasing mean final course grades in the courses supported
by SI (Introduction to Business: 61.4 percentile for SI participants vs. 56.2
percentile for non-SI; Managing Concepts: 60.7 vs. 54.6; Changing Environment of
Business: 59.6 vs. 46.4). Further analysis showed that there was no correlation
between entry qualifications and performance in the classes. In comparison with
non-SI participants, former SI participants earned mean final course grades that
were higher in subsequent courses in the business sequence that did not have SI
support provided (54.9 percentile for former SI participants vs. 48.8 percentile
for former non-SI). This finding was confirmed through interviews with students
who reported using learning strategies from SI sessions in other classes. This
suggests that SI provided transferable benefits for additional courses in the
sequence.
Ramirez, G. M. (1997). Supplemental Instruction:
The long-term impact. Journal of Developmental Education, 21(1), 2-4, 6,
8, 10, 28
This study addresses two questions about the impact of Supplemental Instruction
(SI) on students in a large urban university (California State University, Long
Beach): what academic performance benefit is realized beyond the target course
supported by SI, and whether SI participation strengthens the persistence
patterns of particular student populations. A unique feature of the SI program
at Long Beach is that students enroll for a one-unit prebaccalureate class to
gain admission to SI sessions. In this way SI becomes a part of the student's
weekly schedule and student participation is higher than programs where SI
attendance is voluntary. Participants from various student groups were tracked
for a period of 8 semesters beginning in Fall 91, and their performance and
retention patterns were compared with those of control peer groups of
nonparticipants. SI was found to have essentially an immediate impact (grade
range: 4.0 to 0.0; target course: 2.86 vs. 2.27 and semester GPA: 2.77 vs. 2.49)
on traditional students; however, it has a substantial impact on both
performance [2.52 vs. 1.82] and retention [70% vs. 51%] for special-admit
students and a definite benefit for underrepresented/underprepared students. Low
motivated students, as evidenced by their prior college performance, maintained
consistent improvement after SI participation.
Reittinger, D. L., & Palmer, T. M. (1996).
Lessons learned from using Supplemental Instruction: Adapting instructional
models for practical application. Research and Teaching in Developmental
Education, 13 (1), 57-68
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction to increase student
academic achievement. A research study suggests that SI contributed to higher
mean final course grades in an introductory psychology course (Psychology 110)
over five semesters in seven sections. Several lessons learned included: SI
provides professional development opportunities for the SI leader; SI attend may
be negatively affected if the SI leader quits attending the class lecture
sessions; students will not attend SI if the scheduled times are inconvenient;
and requiring students to attend 90 percent of the SI sessions to receive extra
academic credit from the course instructor results in less than ten percent of
the students choosing to attend at that level.
Rye, P. D., & Wallace, J. (1994, March). Helping students to learn: Supplemental Instruction. Student British Medical Journal, 2, 79-80 This short article provides an overview of Supplemental Instruction and its use with medical students.
Rye, P. D., & Wallace, J. (1994). Supplemental
Instruction: A peer-group learning program for medical undergraduates.
Nordisk Medicin, 109(11), 307
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with Norwegian
undergraduate medical students. Various benefits of SI are described for the
session participants: study strategies, life-long learning skills, and working
in learning teams with other students.
Rye, P. D., Wallace, J., & Bidgood, P. (1993).
Instructions in learning skills: An integrated approach.
Medical Education,
27 (6), 470-473
The transition from school to university education and a medical school
environment can be difficult for even the very best students. The article
suggests that Supplemental Instruction (SI) would be useful to improvement
academic performance of these students. Research studies from Kingston
University (Surrey, England) in Computer Science, Electronics and Engineering
are cited to suggest the Supplemental Instruction would also be helpful for
medical students (62.3 percentile vs. 54.2 percentile for non-SI participants).
Saunders, D. (1992). Peer tutoring in higher
education. Studies in Higher Education, 17(2), 211-218
This article describes the development of peer tutoring programs at many
institutions in the United Kingdom. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is one of the
programs that is being implemented in higher education institutions. Lecturers
are being asked to experiment with a greater variety of teaching and learning
strategies which complement the lecture tradition. The use of SI at Kingston
Polytechnic is mentioned. The benefits of tutoring programs for the tutors are
described.
Saunders, D., & Gibbon, M. (1998). Peer tutoring
and peer-assisted student support: Five models within a new university.
Mentoring and Tutoring, 5(3), 3-13
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) -- called Peer
Assisted Student Support (PASS) by the local institution -- in the Business
School at the University of Glamorgan in Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom. SI
has been offered in the School of Applied Sciences since 1991. It is called PASS
within the Business School. Most of the PASS group facilitators are volunteers
and have previously been participants in groups when they were first year
students. Positive reports from facilitators included: satisfaction gained from
being able to positively help their peers, improved self-confidence, better
communication and oral presentation skills as a result of running sessions, and
being able to strengthen their job resume. The author identified several
challenges with the PASS scheme: student attendance was erratic due to perceived
time conflicts of students; difficulty to maintain the voluntary program as
committed PASS facilitators graduated and new leaders needed to be recruited to
take over responsibilities.
Sawyer, S. J., Sylvestre, P. B., Girard, R. A., &
Snow, M. H. (1996). Effects of Supplemental Instruction on mean test scores and
failure rates in medical school courses. Academic Medicine: Journal of the
Association of American Medical Colleges, 71(12), 1357-1359. Correspondence
and requests for reprints should be addressed to Dr. Snow, University of
Wisconsin Medical School, Dean's Office, 1142 Medical Sciences Center, 1300
University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1532.
The purpose of the research study was to determine whether Supplemental
Instruction (SI) offered to first-year medical students reduces the number of
examination failures. The SI program -- locally called the Medical Scholars
Program (MSP) -- was offered at not cost to all first-year students at the
University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1994-95. SI sessions
were offered in biochemistry, gross anatomy, microanatomy, and physiology. Mean
test scores and failure rates for students considered academically at risk and
those not at risk were compared between the class entering in 1994 and the
classes matriculating during the preceding three years. Since 85% of students
elected to participate in the SI program, it was necessary to compare
performance to previous academic terms rather than the non-SI group which was so
small as to make same academic term comparisons difficult. At-risk students were
defined as those with a total Medical College Admission Test score below 26 and
a science grade-point average below 3.0. Comparisons were performed using
two-tailed t-tests and chi-square tests. Statistically significant increases in
mean test scores were achieved on most examinations by the class exposed to SI.
Failure rates for at-risk students decreased by 46% during the year the SI
program was offered. The authors listed other outcomes from the SI program:
strengthened study strategies that could be used in other courses; students
identified gaps in his or her knowledge in advance of examinations; enhanced
cooperative rather than competitive interaction with colleagues; hastened
development of class camaraderie by broadening the student's circle of friends
since they were randomly assigned to the SI groups; and increased student morale
and self-esteem since the students experienced less academic failure. SI leaders
reported the following benefits of the SI program for themselves: reviewed
first-year material in the SI courses which helped them prepare for both the
second-year courses and for Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing
Examination.
Schaefer, S., & Hopper, J. (1991). Successful
funding and implementation of a biology adjunct.
Journal of College Reading
and Learning, 24(1), 55-62
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in an
introductory course in biology -- BIO 90, Diversity of Life -- at the University
of California, Irvine. SI is offered as a non-credit class that accompanies a
specific course. The authors describe the process for gaining support to provide
the program: contact with counselors, administrators, and faculty; identified
the historically difficult course that needed assistance; wrote a grant
proposal; and conducted a pilot test of SI with a limited number of students.
Results of the program included: positive relationship between attendance in SI
and final course grade; statistically significant positive change (p < .01) from
pre- to post-test performance on the Nelson Denny Reading Comprehension Subtest;
post-tests in writing showed that students were more likely to answer essay
questions with correct answers in complete sentences; and for all the items on
the self-assessment of reading, writing, and thinking skills there was a
positive, and statistically significant change.
Schwartz, E. B. (1997, December). Program helps
students make the grade. Key Magazine,
This short article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program. The author is the Chancellor the University of Missouri-Kansas City,
home of the SI program.
Schwartz, M. D. (1992). Study sessions and higher
grades: Questioning the causal link. College Student Journal, 26(3),
292-299
This article contains a data study of the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
in a large sociology course at Ohio University (Athens, OH). While the study did
not reveal statistical significance between SI attendance and final course
grade, the students who attended the SI sessions tended to have fewer unexcused
absences in the course. In turn, a higher number of unexcused absences was
associated with lower course grades.
Shaya, S. B., Petty, H. R., & Petty, L. I.
(1993). A case study of Supplemental Instruction in biology focused on at-risk
students. BioScience, 43(10), 709-711
The effects of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in Basic Biology I course at Wayne
State University (MI) is examined by studying the academic performance of
academically at-risk students (low high school grade-point average, low ACT
standardized test scores). The SI sessions were open to all students in the
course. About 25 percent of the traditional admit students and 40 percent of the
at-risk students voluntarily participated in SI sessions during the academic
term. The data suggests that SI contributed to higher mean final course grades
for SI participants (2.9) vs. nonparticipants (2.4). A separate analysis was
conducted to compare the academic performance of at-risk students. At-risk SI
participants received higher mean final course grades (2.65 vs. 1.31) and had a
higher course completion rate (90 percent vs. 32 percent). To attempt to control
for student motivation level, an analysis was conducted of high school grade
point averages and ACT scores for SI and non-SI participants among the at-risk
students. No significant differences were found. A second analysis for student
motivation considered intrasemester SI entry. At-risk students who began to
attend SI later in the academic term earned higher mean final course grades than
at-risk students who chose not to attend SI. The data suggests that SI
participation contributed to the majority of the variance concerning higher mean
final course grades.
Simpson, M. L., Hynd, C. R., Nist, S. L., &
Burrell, K. I. (1997). College academic assistance programs and practices.
Educational Psychology Review, 9(1), 39-87. Correspondence should be
directed to Michelle L. Simpson, Division of Academic Assistance, University of
Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
This comprehensive article provides an overview to academic assistance for
college level learning tasks. After examining four critical issues confronting
all academic assistance programs (Should generic or content-specific skills be
taught? How can transfer be promoted? What is the role of task and context? What
is the role of motivation in self-regulated learning?), the authors examined the
goals, assessment procedures, salient features, and program evaluation methods
of four prevalent program models: learning to learn course, Supplemental
Instruction (SI), required programs for underprepared students, and integrated
reading/writing courses. After providing an overview of the SI model, the
authors point out that embedded strategy instruction (modeling of study
strategies) is a major feature that distinguishes it from many other systems
since they employ a direct instructional procedure to teach study skills. The
authors concluded by outlining suggestions for future research (e.g., include
both descriptive and experimental paradigms, investigate long-term effects,
collect both product and process data, seek linkages across disciplines) and by
listing specific questions that college students need to ask about the programs
at their institutions.
Sommerfeld, M. (1995). Who's responsible? Taking
sides on remedial classes. Education Week, 14(29), 1, 14
This article discusses alternatives to traditional remedial and developmental
education programs. Included in the article is a short interview with David
Arendale concerning the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Video-based
Supplemental Instruction (VSI). One of the difficulties for first-time students
is that they concentrate on the wrong things as they prepare for their first
examinations.
Stansbury, Sydney. (2001). Accelerated Learning Groups Enhance Supplemental Instruction for At-Risk Students. Journal of Developmental Education v24 n3 p20-28, 40. Reports that, based on a pilot study at the University of Missouri (Kansas City), high-risk students are more likely to participate in supplemental instruction sessions (SI) if they attend an accelerated learning group (ALG)/SI combination instead of only SI. Adds that those who attended the combination ALG/SI sessions instead of SI had higher final grades.
Staff writer. (1996). Georgia's HOPE: A system in
transition. Black Issues in Higher Education, 13(15), 10-13, 16
This article describes Georgia's HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)
program to improve academic success of its college students. Dr. Stephen Portch
serves as Chancellor of the University of Georgia System and Atty. Juanita
Baranco is Regent with the University of Georgia System. Both are interviewed in
this article. Portch suggests that Supplemental Instruction (SI), with its focus
on at-risk courses rather than at-risk students, allows student to earn higher
grades without labeling them in the process or continuing the previous system of
remedial education that retaught material from high school.
Staff writer. (1997). Supplemental Instruction
and minority students. Journal of Developmental Education, 20(3), 38
This article describes a national research study of Supplemental Instruction
(SI) with students of color. Students of color participated in SI at rates equal
or exceeding those for White students (White, 33.3%; African-American, 42.0%;
Hispanic-American, 50.9%; Asian-American, 33.3%; and Native-American, 42.9%).
Students of color who participated in SI earned higher mean final course grades
(2.02 vs. 1.55) and lower rates of D, F and withdrawal rates ( 36% vs. 43%) than
similar students who did not.
Stephens, J. E. (1995). Supplemental Instruction
in developmental mathematics: Inquiring minds want to know.
Journal of
Developmental Education, 19(2), 38
Based on the author's dissertation research concerning Supplemental Instruction
(SI), the following observations concerning SI in math were made: (1) the
developmental math student participants in SI in relationship to their perceived
level of difficulty of the course instructor; (2) SI program success is
dependent upon the level that students are active in SI sessions; (3) when the
variable of repetition is applied to SI and non-SI participant, higher academic
success is associated with first-time course students; (4) when the variable of
gender is applied to SI and non-SI participant when there has been a high level
of vocalization during SI sessions, females tend to increase more highly in
academic terms than males; (5) when the variable of gender is applied to SI and
non-SI participant when there has been a low level of vocalization during SI
sessions, academic achievement will be fairly equal among the genders.
Timmermans, S. R., & Heerspink, J. B. (1996).
Intensive developmental instruction in a pre-college summer program.
The
Learning Assistance Review: The Journal of the Midwest College Learning Center
Association, 1(2), 32-44
This article describes a modification of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model
at Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) to take into account the cognitive and
developmental factors of high school students. This instructional component was
placed in a pre-college summer program called Intensive Developmental
Instruction (IDI). Unique features of IDI include: high school students are
placed in college-level classes beyond their current level of academic ability;
the SI leader is a certified K-12 teacher from outside the course area who takes
the class along with the high school students; and explicit instruction is
provided by the IDI leader in learning strategies. A comparison was made between
the IDI high school students and the college students in the same classes who
did not participate in IDI. It was assumed that the college students were
stronger academically than the high school students since their mean ACT score
was higher (24 vs. 20 for IDI students). IDI students received a grade of C or
higher 88.7 percent of time compared with 80.6 percent for the college students.
Results from the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory suggest that their
involvement in IDI improved their use of learning strategies.
Topping, K. J. (1996). The effectiveness of peer
tutoring in further and higher education: A typology and review of the
literature. Higher Education, 32(3), 321-345
The increasing use of peer tutoring in British higher education necessitates a
clear definition and typology. Through an extensive review of the literature,
the author discusses peer tutoring in general with a short review of and the
Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. Research studies from both the U.S. and
U.K. suggest that participation in SI is positively correlated with higher mean
final course grades. Other UK studies suggested improved communication skills
and deeper understanding of the curriculum occurred for SI participants and
higher grades for the SI leaders themselves.
Van Lanen, R. J., & Lockie, N. M. (1997). Using
Supplemental Instruction to assist nursing student in chemistry: A mentoring
program's support network protects high-risk students at Saint Xavier
University. Journal of College Science Teaching, 26(6), 419-423
This article discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with nursing
students in Principles of Organic and Biochemistry (Chemistry 108) at Saint
Xavier University (IL). Chemistry 108 is the second class in a two-semester
introductory chemistry course designed for freshman nursing students. After a
basic overview of the SI model, the article discusses a research study to
examine the effectiveness of the SI program. The Chemistry 108 class was
composed mainly of women (94.5%), transfer students (75.8%), and nursing majors
(95.1%). It was equally distributed between students above and below age 23. In
this study SI participants were defined as students who attended six or more
times. The SI group received a higher mean final course grade (2.52 vs. 2.21)
and a lower rate of D, F and course withdrawals (14.3% vs. 29.1%). The authors
postulate that due to the variety and complexity of skills needed to understand
chemistry -- complex content mastery, language, and problem solving -- higher
levels of SI attendance are needed to show more consistent positive academic
results. Three themes emerged from SI participants concerning why they felt SI
was helpful: (1) working out problems on the black board; (2) opportunity to
share information; and (3) chance to help each other.
Visor, J. N., Johnson, J. J., & Cole, L. N. (1992). The relationship of Supplemental Instruction to affect. Journal of Developmental Education, 16(2), 12-14, 16-18 This Supplemental Instruction study that examined college students enrolled in an introductory psychology course conducted at Illinois State University (Normal, IL) addressed the following questions: a) Are students who elect to participate in SI affectively different from those who choose not to do so? b) does SI affect a positive change in noncognitive factors for participants? The noncognitive factors examined were locus of control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Results suggested that those who participated regularly in SI were affectively different from those who participated only occasionally or not at all. SI participants tended to have a higher internal locus of control and higher self-esteem than others. The researchers suggested that this may have been due to the manner in which the SI program was promoted to students. Self-efficacy actually decreased for the more frequent SI participants. The researchers suggested that these students may have developed a more accurate understanding of their strengths and weaknesses while the others were "blissfully ignorant of what it takes to succeed." Increased sensitivity by the SI leader may be needed to effectively meet the needs of "at-risk" students (external locus of control, low self-efficacy, and low self-esteem). The authors suggest additional research is needed regarding non-cognitive variables.
Wallace, J. (1992). Students helping students to learn. The New Academic, 1(2), 8-9 This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Kingston University in London, England. In addition to reports of improved academic performance by SI participants, interviews with SI leaders suggest they had the following results: higher final course grades in other subjects, increased leadership skills, higher confidence levels, and increased contact with faculty members.
Wallace, J. (1995). Supplemental Instruction:
Students helping each other with their learning.
UCoSDA Briefing Papers, 20,
1-4. Available: UCoSDA, Level Six, University House, Sheffield, England S10 2TN.
This paper provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model as it
is implemented in the United Kingdom. In addition to the traditional purposes of
the SI program, there are two additional emphasis areas for the SI program.
First, SI leaders are expected to feed back to the course professor students
comments (e.g., relevance of instructional pace, understanding of the lecture
material, relevance of support materials such as handouts). SI leaders receive
special training to delicately share this information with the faculty members.
The second emphasis area is on staff and educational development. Faculty
members are encouraged to make adjustments of their teaching behaviors to
accommodate the needs of the students.
Wang, D. (2005). Students' Learning and Locus of Control in Web-Supplemental Instruction. Innovative Higher Education, 30,(1), 67-82.
Warren, B. Z., & Tonsetic, R. (1997). Supporting
large classes with Supplemental Instruction (SI).
Journal of Staff, Program,
and Organization Development, 15(2), 47-54
This paper discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of Central Florida (27,000 students) as one component in dealing with helping
faculty and students deal with large classes. In Spring 1997 39 classes had an
enrollment of 200 or more students. During Fall 1996 SI was provided for four
large class sections including a chemistry course for non-science majors. SI
participants earned a higher mean final course grade (3.39 vs. 1.72). When
adjusted for differences in SAT scores, the SI group still received higher
grades (2.54 vs. 1.71). The percent of A and B final course grades was higher
for the SI group (47% vs. 20%) as well as lower rates of D, F or course
withdrawals (18% vs. 56%). Positive results were also reported for the SI in
general biology and American national government. There were no significant
differences in the calculus course. While there was high satisfaction with the
SI participants, the grade differences were not significant. The authors suggest
that the SI sessions in math need modification for more effective use.
Webster, T., & Dee, K. C. (1998). Supplemental
Instruction integrated into an introductory engineering course.
Journal of
Engineering Education, 87(4), 377-383
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) during Fall 1996
in Introduction to Engineering Analysis at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(Troy, NY). The course is generally taken in the first semester of the freshman
year and covers vector mechanics (statics), linear algebra, and computer-based
matrix methods for solving engineering problems. Of the students in the class,
23 percent participated in SI sessions. Students who participated in SI earned
higher mean final course grades (3.13 vs. 2.67, p < .025), higher rate of A & B
final course grades (77% vs. 62%, p < .01) and received a lower rate of D, F or
withdrawals (0% vs. 18%, p < .01). There was a positive correlation between
higher levels of SI attendance and higher final course grades. All students who
attended at least four SI sessions throughout the semester received a final
course grade of A or B. A subpopulation of students who were designated as
"at-risk" or "high risk" were studied. SI participants earned higher grades
their counterparts who did not attend SI sessions (At-risk: 2.60 vs. 2.18;
High-risk: 2.38 vs. 1.58; p < .01). The researchers reported that unfortunately
half of these students did not participate in any SI sessions. Surveys of
students suggested the following improvements for the SI program: hold more
sessions during the academic term to help reduce SI session size (mean size =
13); hold SI sessions longer than one hour to provide sufficient time to deal
with material; and consider more than one SI leader to allow smaller SI session
size. SI leaders provided feedback to the course instructor concerning the
comprehension level of students concerning the course material. Instructors used
the feedback to modify future course lectures. SI leaders the following benefits
of the SI program for themselves: deeper understanding of course material,
excelled in other courses since they were reviewing basic concepts in the SI
course, developed communication skills, improved teaching skills, and enhanced
leadership skills.
Webster, T., & Hooper, L. (1998). Supplemental
Instruction for introductory chemistry courses: A preliminary investigation.
Journal of Chemical Education, 75(3), 328-331. Available: Thomas Webster,
The Advising and Learning Assistance Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
Troy, NY 12180.
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) between Spring
1995 and Fall 1995 at the University of Pittsburgh (PA) for two semesters in
General Chemistry I and for one semester in Organic Chemistry I. After a review
of the literature concerning academic needs in science, the researchers describe
the results of their study. The percentage of students that participated in SI
ranged from 37 to 45 percent. Students uniformly rated the SI sessions very
helpful (0 to 5 point scale: ranged from 4.1 to 4.5). The results uniformly
favored the SI participants: Gen Chem S95: A&B grades, 39% vs. 30%; D,F&W, 10%
vs. 34%; mean final grade, 2.34 vs. 1.95. Gen Chem F95: A&B grades, 43% vs. 33%;
D,F&W, 15% vs. 31%; mean final grade, 2.46 vs. 2.19. Org Chem F95: A&B grades,
54% vs. 33%; D, F&W, 6% vs. 26%; mean final grade, 2.59 vs. 2.17. The
researchers suggested that SI has helpful in chemistry since it helped in the
following areas: mathematics, problem solving, conceptualization, theoretical,
and familiarization with the chemical language.
White, B. (1996). The student peer mentor program
in its trial year: A mentor's perspective. Queensland University of
Technology Law Journal, 12(1), 221-228.
In 1994 the Student Peer Mentor program was piloted in the Bachelor of Laws
program of study (two individual classes: Torts and Law of Contract) at
Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The program was based upon
Supplemental Instruction (SI). This article describes the program from the
perspective of one of the student mentors. Strengths of the program included:
less private time needed to study; non-threatening environment; identified
academic skills needed for success; and expanded social circles. Benefits of the
program for the mentors included: improved interpersonal communication skills;
increased content comprehension; provided personal satisfaction of helping
others; and improved confidence in leadership and group situations.
Wilcox, F. K. (1999). Killer course survival:
Supplemental Instruction. The College Parent Advisor, 3(1), 2-3
This article provides a general overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model.
Wilcox, F. K., & Koehler, C. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: Critical thinking and academic assistance. Metropolitan Universities: An International Forum, 6(4), 87-99 This article provides a basic overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) including data from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A UMKC study reviewed data from a geographically and institutionally diverse group of 146 institutions that used SI in 2,875 courses of diverse academic areas with an enrollment of 298,629 students. The data suggests that SI participants earned higher mean final course grades (2.30 vs. 1.85); higher percent of A and B final course grades (47.5% vs. 35.8%) and a lower rate of D, F and course withdrawals (23.7% vs. 38.0-%). A 1989 study at UMKC found that SI participants reenrolled the following semester at a higher rate than non-SI participants (90.0% vs. 81.5%). A study of SI and non-SI participants during their first academic term at UMKC in Fall 1983 found that by Fall 1989 the SI participants had graduated at a higher rate (30.6% vs. 18.2%). A comparison is made between the traditional paradigm of learning that is the current pedagogy of most classroom instructors and the new reflective learning paradigm. SI sessions help students to use both paradigms to maximize learning and academic achievement.
Wittig, G., North, S., & Thomerson, J. E. (1996).
Supplemental Instruction improves student retention and performance in biology.
Transactions, 89(65), 79
This article reports the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in a biology
course at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Success in Biology 120,
which introduces into the majors core, is a strong predictor of academic
survival. Because 50 percent of students earned D, E and withdrawal grades, SI
was introduced. Undergraduate SI leaders were placed in both lectures and
laboratories, and they offered weekly, out-of-class SI sessions. Of 171 Fall
1995 and 88 Spring 1996 students, 56 and 67 percent respectively participated in
SI. Students attending from 4 up to 37 sessions per semester averaged a full
grade point better course grades than non-SI students and hardly any (4 and 0
respectively) D, E, and withdrawal grades. Differences were significant at the 1
and 5 percent level respectively.
Wolfe, R. F. (1987, Spring). The Supplemental Instruction program: Developing learning and thinking skills across the curriculum. Issues in College Learning Centers, 5, 5-12 The author describes implementation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland. A Fall 1986 research study concerning the impact of the SI program with a History 211 course suggested that SI participation contributed to higher final course grades (2.5 vs. 1.6) and lower rates of D, F and withdrawal (16% vs. 55%) even though the SI participants had a lower mean SAT score (370 vs. 430). Another indication of the influence of the SI program was a shift of the overall rate of D, F and course withdrawals from 45 percent down to 33 percent for the History 211 course. Some professors at the college reported using the SI program for faculty development in the following ways: sometimes the course instructor incorporated SI leader developed materials initially used during SI sessions; used the SI leader as a feedback forum for evaluating the comprehension level of students of key concepts.
Wolfe, R. F. (1987). The Supplemental Instruction
program: Developing learning and thinking skills.
Journal of Reading, 31(3),
228-232
The author describes implementation of the Supplemental Instruction at Anne
Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland. A Fall 1986 research study
concerning the impact of the SI program with a History 211 course suggested that
SI participation contributed to higher final course grades (2.5 vs. 1.6) and
lower rates of D, F and withdrawal (16% vs. 55%) even though the SI participants
had a lower mean SAT score. SI participants self-reported high satisfaction with
their experience in the SI program (4.5 on a 5 point scale). Some professors at
the college reported using the SI program for faculty development in the
following ways: sometimes the course instructor incorporated SI leader developed
materials initially used during SI sessions; used the SI leader as a feedback
forum for evaluating the comprehension level of students of key concepts.
Wolfe, R. F. (1987). Writing across the
curriculum through Supplemental Instruction. Maryland English Journal, 21(2),
43-48
At Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD), the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program is also used to improve students' writing skills. In SI sessions
for a history class during Fall 1986 additional activities were directed to
developing writing skills. Research suggests that SI participants demonstrated
improved performance in written essay examinations. The activity had four steps:
1) overview all material from notes and text that could be used to answer the
question; 2) organize the information; 3) develop a summary statement; and 4)
develop an outline for the answer. SI participants earned a higher mean final
course grade (2.5 vs. 1.6) and a lower rate of D, F and course withdrawals (16%
vs. 55%).
Wolfe, R. F. (1988). A model retention program
for the community college. Maryland Association for Higher Education Journal,
11, 18-20
This article describes the implementation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program at Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD). In addition to a
descriptive overview of the SI program, data from a 1987 research study suggests
that SI participants received higher mean final course grades (2.6 vs. 1.9) and
lower rates of D, F and withdrawals (24% vs. 44%). Using the same data set, when
developmental education students and students of color were studied regarding
the impact of SI attendance, the results were more pronounced than when
examining the entire class of students. SI participants earned higher mean final
course grades (3.1 vs. 1.8).
Wolfe, R. F. (1990). Professional development
through peer interaction. The Journal of Professional Studies, 14(1),
50-57
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at Anne Arundel Community College
(Arnold, MD) was modified to use faculty members as SI supervisors. While this
was the initial focus for the faculty members, the mentor role evolved into an
opportunity for them to observe colleagues and to grow as teachers. Mentors are
placed in classes outside their own discipline. Faculty mentors were placed in
classes outside their own discipline. The classroom instructor and faculty
mentor would meet periodically to provide feedback to each other and discuss
strategies to improve instructional effectiveness. Faculty mentor roles
included: 1) attending a three-day pre-semester training seminar (e.g., examined
learning strategies, examined their own teaching and learning styles, learned
questioning techniques, and practiced group management); 2) attending all
classes and study sessions as a student in the target class for the first four
weeks of the semester; 3) working with student leaders to prepare strategies for
the study session; 4) working with student leaders to create supplemental
materials such as graphic representation of abstract concepts; 5) formally
evaluating student leaders during the second half of the semester, and 6)
keeping a daily journal to record their observations and reflections about
classes and SI sessions.
Wright, Gary L.; Wright, Robin Redmon; Lamb, Charles E. (2002). Developmental Mathematics Education and Supplemental Instruction: Pondering the Potential. Journal of Developmental Education v26 n1 p30-35. Discusses a study concerning the effective use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in 90 developmental mathematics courses at a southern state university in spring, summer, and fall 2000. Reports that, based on student outcomes, SI may have made a positive difference in performance and retention rates for the students.
Section Four: Audio and Videotapes
Briere, P., Congos, D. H., &
Wallace, J. (1995). Promoting the Supplemental Instruction program.
[Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape discusses various aspects of promoting the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. Discussion participants reviewed a variety of topics
including recruiting SI leaders, promoting attendance among students, and
gaining support from faculty and administrators. The panelists are campus SI
supervisors as well as Certified Trainers with the SI program. Wallace is the
Certified Trainer from the United Kingdom.
Briere, P., Garland, M., Visor, J. N., &
Browning, S. (1995). The use of Supplemental Instruction with target
populations. [Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape records a panel discussion concerning the use of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) with targeted subpopulations of students. Generally the SI
program is provided for all students on campus. Due to specific needs and
restricted funds, the SI program may be targeted with success for any of the
following groups: students on academic probation; academically underprepared
students; student-athletes; Upward Bound high school students; international
students; and programs that limit grant funds to eligible populations (e.g.,
Carl Perkins Vocational, TRIO programs). The panelists discuss how to market to
these student groups and conduct appropriate evaluation systems. The panelists
are campus SI supervisors as well as Certified Trainers with the SI program.
Browning, S., Minkoff, D., Wallace, J., & Zerger,
S. (1995). The use of Supplemental Instruction for faculty and SI leader
development. [Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape records a panel discussion on the uses of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) for both faculty and SI leader professional development. Topics
covered included: faculty development in the United Kingdom and the U.S.; SI
leaders serving as partners with faculty members to improve classroom learning;
using SI as an anonymous feedback mechanism for faculty members; and developing
a faculty focus on increased student learning. The panelists are campus SI
supervisors with the SI program. Wallace is Certified Trainer for the United
Kingdom with Minkoff and Zerger trainers for the U.S.
Burmeister, S. L., McLaren, A., & Zerger, S.
(1995). Supplemental Instruction in the content areas: English, Humanities,
and Mathematics. [Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape records a panel discussion on the subtle differences and needs
for Supplemental Instruction in different content areas. Topics included:
differences in problem-based and vocabulary-based curriculums; use of SI in
laboratory situations; strategies for mastering vocabulary; relationships
between lectures and textbooks in different content areas; and the degree to
which strategies for curriculums overlap with each other. The panelists are all
campus SI supervisors as well as Certified Trainers with the SI program.
Congos, D. H., McLaren, A., & Visor, J. N.
(1995). Clinical supervision of Supplemental Instruction sessions.
[Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape records a discussion by a panel regarding various issues related
to supervision of the Supplemental Instruction program: role of the Assistant SI
Supervisor; components of a clinical supervision protocol; the limit of capacity
for supervision; mentoring and evaluation in clinical supervisory debriefing
sessions; and protocol for debriefing SI sessions. The panelists are campus SI
supervisors as well as Certified Trainers with the SI program.
Garland, M., & Anderson, J. (1985).
Supplemental Instruction: The review session. [Videotape]. M. Garland
(Producer) Kansas City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape provides a simulation of an Supplemental Instruction (SI) session
in an economics class. A narrator guides the viewer regarding the activities of
the SI leader and provides a debriefing of the SI session.
Garland, M., & Gordy, K. (1989, May 11).
National teleconference on Supplemental Instruction. [Videotape]. J.
Connett, & Confer B J (Producers) Kansas City, MO: United States Department of
Education, National Diffusion Network.
This live national teleconference featured an overview of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) model. Also included were interviews with SI leaders and
faculty members who had SI attached to their classes. A live call-in portion of
the teleconference permitted members of a national audience to call in with
questions.
Garland, M., & Jamerson, L. (1988).
Supplemental Instruction: A validated model of student academic support
[Audio cassette]. Glendale, CA: Mobiltape Co. Available: Interlibrary loan from
the Community College of Vermont.
Taped at the 1988 National Conference on Higher Education in Washington, D.C.,
two experts from the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City discuss their experience with SI, a nonremedial model of
student academic assistance that targets historically-difficult courses rather
than high-risk students. They provide an overview of the model and its use with
a variety of student subpopulations.
Garland, M., Minkoff, D., & Zerger, S. (1995).
The use of Supplemental Instruction in small classes and small colleges.
[Videotape]. D. Arendale (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape records a panel discussion regarding the advantages and
challenges of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in small classes and colleges. Some
of the issues included: locating SI leaders; cost effectiveness in small
classes; networking with faculty members; and the use of SI in quarter and
semester terms. The panelists are campus SI supervisors as well as Certified
Trainers with the SI program.
Kenney, P. A. (1988).
Supplemental Instruction
sessions in math courses. [Videotape]. M. Garland (Producer) Kansas City,
MO: University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This video tape features Dr. Patricia Kenney discussing ways in which
Supplemental Instruction (SI) in mathematics courses differ from those in other
content areas. Kenney served as a math SI leader during her doctoral research on
the effectiveness of SI in math sessions at the University of Texas at Austin.
Martin, D. C. (1994).
Video-based Supplemental Instruction panel
discussion. [Videotape]. K. Blair (Producer) Kansas City, MO: The University
of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape panel discussion provides an overview of the Video-based
Supplemental Instruction (VSI) program. Moderated by the creator of SI and VSI,
Deanna Martin, the panel was composed of an administrator, faculty member
who placed his course on video, former VSI student, and academic advisor who
places students in VSI.
Miner, J. (1991, October 16).
Politics of
remediation. [Videotape]. Los Angeles, CA: DeAnza College.
This video teleconference was concerned with a review of successful practices
for serving academically underprepared students. Featured panelists included
John Roueche and Lee Noel. An eight minute segment featured an interview with
Deanna Martin, creator of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model. Martin
provided an overview of the SI program and discussed how the program can be used
to serve both the best and least prepared students.
Overly, C. (1995).
Supplemental Instruction
overview. [Videotape]. University of Western Michigan (Kalamazoo, MI): The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This ten minute videotape provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program. It includes brief interviews with SI leaders, SI supervisors and
faculty members.
University of Missouri-Kansas City. (1999).
Supplemental Instruction: Empowering student learning. [Videotape]. K.
Patterson, & K. Wilcox (Producers) Kansas City, MO: The University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape provides an overview of Supplemental Instruction (SI) through
short interviews with SI leaders, SI participants, campus administrators, and
Deanna Martin, creator of the SI model.
Wallace, J. (1996).
Supplemental Instruction:
A profile of the scheme. [Videotape]. G. Mair (Producer) Glasgow, Scotland:
Glasgow Caledonia University.
This videotape provides an overview of the implementation of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) in the United Kingdom. Jenni Wallace, Certified Trainer for the
United Kingdom, provides a historic perspective of SI's use in the United
Kingdom. Following is an interview with two SI leaders (Paul Irwin and Mel Dobie)
concerning benefits of the SI program to the SI leaders: increased leadership
skills, improved use of study strategies, higher confidence level, and increased
content knowledge.
Wallace, J. (1996).
Supplemental Instruction:
The challenging way forward. [Videotape]. G. Mair (Producer) Glasgow,
Scotland: Glasgow Caledonia University.
This videotape provides an overview of the implementation of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) in the United Kingdom. It contains an interview with two SI
leaders (Paul Irwin and Mel Dobie) concerning benefits of the SI program to the
SI leaders: increased leadership skills, improved use of study strategies,
higher confidence level, and increased content knowledge.
Wilcox, F. K. (1992, February 17).
Supplemental Instruction: Interview with
Deanna Martin and Robert Blanc. [Videotape]. J. Connett
(Producer) Kansas City, MO: National Diffusion Network, United States Department
of Education.
This videotape interview provides a historic overview of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. The creator of the SI program --
Deanna Martin -- and her husband Robert Blanc who customized the use of SI
with medical students are interviewed in this program. Topics included: overview
of the SI program; historical background of SI; typical activities in SI
sessions; training of SI leaders; and suggested methods of evaluating the SI
program.
Wilcox, F. K. (1993).
Supplemental
Instruction: Improving academic success in historically-difficult courses
[Audio cassette]. Iowa City, IA: National Center for Student Retention.
Available: Interlibrary loan from Valencia Community College in Florida.
Taped at the 1993 National Conference on Higher Education in New Orleans, LA,
Dr. Kim Wilcox from UMKC discusses his experience with Supplemental Instruction
(SI), a nonremedial model of student academic assistance that targets
historically-difficult courses rather than high-risk students.
Wilcox, F. K. (1996).
Supplemental Instruction
session demonstration. [Videotape]. F. K. Wilcox (Producer) Kansas City, MO:
The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This videotape provides a simulation of a Supplemental Instruction (SI) session
in an introductory Physical Science course. Students who are participating in SI
during the current academic term simulate a SI session for a recent class
lecture. Common SI session activities are illustrated: vocabulary development,
identification of main ideas, connecting ideas, creating visual matrixes,
lecture note review, and test question prediction. SI participants and the SI
leader for the course share benefits of SI participation. The moderator then
provides a debrief of the SI session.
Section Five: Newsletter Articles
Allen, M., Kolpas, S., & Stathis, P. (1992, October). Supplemental Instruction in calculus at a community college. Collaborative Learning Exchange Newsletter, 8-9 At Glendale Community College (Glendale, CA) an experiment was conducted in several calculus courses regarding optional and mandatory attendance. In the traditional SI model attendance in SI is optional and anonymous. In the classes where mandatory attendance was required, students received a 10 percent boost in their grade for participating and submitting additional homework assignments. SI participants earned a mean final course grade that was 20 percentage points higher (70 percentile vs. 50 percentile). In another experiment SI session strategies were integrated into the class sessions. The class instructor developed the work sheets used in the SI sessions. The students in the modified course were compared to classes where SI sessions were not integrated into them. The SI participants earned a mean final course grade nearly a full-letter grade higher than the other students. While initial comments from SI participants were negative, by the end of the term the comments were highly supportive of the SI program.
Arendale, D. (1996). Lessons that I have learned from students in peer study groups. National Association for Developmental Education Newsletter, 20(1), 1-3 Based on comments from Supplemental Instruction leaders and participants, this newsletter article describes six lessons learned by the author in his role as a course lecturer: 1) student-led discussions are needed to make lectures and reading assignments more valuable to students; 2) sometimes the lecturer spends too much time telling and not enough time modeling the thinking process for finding the answers and developing critical thinking abilities; 3) the lecturer needs to be careful not to by accident intimidate students; 4) only through student discussions will many be able to construct and retain the knowledge from the class; 5) the lecturer needs to frequently seek student feedback to improve my classroom instruction; and 6) there is more to learn at college than what happens in class.
Congos, D. H. (1993, Fall). A model for Supplemental Instruction in Introductory Chemistry. Supplemental Instruction Update, 1, 3 This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Introductory Chemistry courses. Four suggestions are made for problem solving activities: 1) SI leader models problem solving steps; 2) SI participants verbalize and write down the steps to solve the problem and how they arrived at their answers; 3) students ask each other questions during the problem solving process; 4) rules for solving the problem are written on the black board; 5) students work by themselves to solve similar problems; 6) students work on recognizing problem types; 7) SI leaders facilitate the discussion process of the students; 8) each step in the problem solving process is identified and numbered; and 9) students continue to practice on problems till they master the process.
Craig-Claar, D. (1994, Summer). Starting
Supplemental Instruction at Maple Woods Community College.
Supplemental
Instruction Update, 1-2
The author is the Associate Dean of Instruction at Maple Woods Community College
(MO). She describes the development of the Supplemental Instruction program at
her campus. The article describes the administrative steps that were taken to
initiate the program. A creative solution to compensate the SI leaders was that
they were paid with fee waivers rather than the more common monthly paycheck.
Doyle, T. (1999, Winter). Ferris State
University's structured learning assistance program.
Michigan Developmental
Educational Consortium Newsletter, 4-5,8.
This newsletter article describes a modification of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) model at Ferris State University. The Structured Learning Assistance
Program (SLA) is based on SI and provides both an academic and an affective
support system. SLA targets both high-risk for failure gateway and historically
difficult upper division courses with four-hour per-week directed practice
trainings. The SLA trainings are formally scheduled in the student schedule just
like an accompanying science lab. Attendance at the training is required of all
students the first week of the course or until the first test, quiz or other
assessment is given in the class. Following the assessment, attendance is
required only for students whose course grade point average falls below a 2.0
Other students may voluntarily continue to attend the SLA sessions. In addition
to traditional SI program features, class professors receive regular, ongoing
information about student progress, student concerns, and ways of better
connecting with students. SLA sessions provide more explicit instruction in
learning strategies. Research studies suggest that SLA students earn higher
final course grades than nonparticipants in control groups.
Edelnant, V. (1999). Supplemental Instruction
program helps students succeed. Recruitment and Retention in Higher
Education, 13(5), 3
This short article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. The SI program is four years old at the 1,500
student undergraduate Wartburg College. Benefits for the SI leaders reported by
the author include developing empathy for the faculty members, experimenting
with a possible career as a teacher, and development of their leadership skills.
Gravina, M. (1991). Supplemental Instruction: SI
for "at-risk" courses. Freshman Year Experience Newsletter, 3(4), 8
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program.
Green, D. (1990). Student mentors fight
departmental attrition. Academic Leader: The Newsletter for Academic Deans
and Department Chairs, 6(3), 2
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program. In addition to comments from SI's creator,
Deanna Martin, it also provides a quotation from Professor Lowell Orr at
Kent State University who is using SI in his two biology courses. Orr supports
the SI program since the SI leaders help participants to develop their own
problem-solving skills.
Hester, B. (1992). Course teaches new skills with
video. Arctic College Dialogue Newsletter, 6(2), 11
This newsletter article provides an overview of the use of Video-based
Supplemental Instruction (VSI) at Arctic College, Iqaluit, Northwest
Territories.
Hill, D. (1992, October). Supplemental Instruction in the social sciences at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. Collaborative Learning Exchange Newsletter, 10-11 The author reports on the implementation of Supplemental Instruction at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. In the 1991-92 year SI was offered in US History 170, American National Government 110, Introduction to Criminal Justice 106, Introduction to Philosophy 101, and Introduction to Economics 101. In the Introduction to Criminal Justice 106 course the SI participants earned a higher percent of A and B final course grades (80% vs. 53%). The article described some of the SI session activities for the social science courses: cause and effect; comparison and contrast; short writing activities; review of elements of research reports; review lecture note taking strategies; integration of outside reading assignments with lecture notes; and interpretations of reading assignments.
Hostetter, S. (1994, Summer). Improving college
student retention: Interview with David Arendale.
National Tutoring
Association Newsletter, (3), 2-3
The interview of David Arendale provided an overview of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. Tinto's Model of Student Retention was discussed and
its relationship to explaining the effectiveness of the SI model was discussed.
Data from a study of students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City
suggested that SI participation with positively correlated with increased levels
of reenrollment at the institution when compared with non-SI participants. It is
estimated that through increased reenrollment rates, the SI program generates
over $200,000 in annual savings.
King, P. (1992, Winter). Kingston University: A
British supervisor's Supplemental Instruction experience.
Supplemental
Instruction Update, 1, 3
This newsletter article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Kingston University in London, UK. The author describes the use of the Assistant
SI supervisor to help supervise an expanding SI program. The need for all SI
leaders to attend frequent update training sessions is urged with the entire
group meeting at the beginning of the meeting and then breaking into smaller
groups based on academic disciplines for the remainder of the time.
Koehler, C. (1995, Spring). Supplemental
Instruction and critical thinking. Supplemental Instruction Update,
1, 3
This article by an assistant professor of Communication Studies at the
University of Missouri-Kansas City describes the utility of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) for developing the critical thinking skills of SI participants.
SI sessions involve a natural environment for inquiry by a community of
learners. The SI leader helps participants to develop independent thinking. As
students become engaged and active participants in the intellectual discourse
that occurs during SI session, students move to higher levels of thought.
Levitz, R. (1990). Supplemental Instruction takes
off. Recruitment and Retention in Higher Education Newsletter, 4(11), 7
This newsletter article provides a short overview of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. George Russell, chancellor at UMKC was quoted, "The SI
approach avoids both the remedial stigma of typical assistance programs and the
high costs of one-on-one tutoring.".
Lockie, N. M., & Van Lanen, R. J. (1992,
January). Supplemental Instruction in Chemistry: A collaborative relationship
among students, faculty, and a peer facilitator.
Illinois Association for
Personalized Programs Newsletter, 1, 3-4
This newsletter article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Saint Xavier College (Chicago, IL) in chemistry courses. Data from a 1990-91
study with a Chemistry 108 course suggests that SI participants earn higher mean
final course grades and receive lower rates of D, F and withdrawals (15.4% vs.
37.1%) than non-SI participants.
Matthews, S., Liparato, S., Shah, P., Smigell, E., Smith, T., & Schmidt, T. (1993, Summer). Supplemental Instruction and biology. Supplemental Instruction Update, 1, 3 The article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in biology at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). The authors selected biology for several reasons: large lecture sections; lecture-focused course; fast-moving lectures; problem-solving approach; focus on interrelatedness of content material; and relationships between of ideas and concepts. Common SI session activities included: finding connections between classroom lectures and textbook; developing charts and graphs to organize and visualize information and demonstrate relationships; moving away from just memorizing content to deeper discussions of meaning and relationships.
O'Flaherty, K., & Siera, M. (1985). The use of Supplemental Instruction in an Introduction to Sociology course. ASA Teaching Newsletter, 10(6), 13-16 At Wichita State University (KS) the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model was used to help improve student academic performance in an Introduction to Sociology course. This Spring 1984 study suggested that SI attendance was positively correlated with higher mean final course grades. Of the SI participants, 75 percent received a final course grade of A or B while 59 percent of non-SI participants received a similar grade.
Ogilvie, C. (1991, April). Supplemental
Instruction: The California State University model.
Illinois Association for
Personalized Learning Programs Newsletter, 4-5
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program at California State University. To increase attendance at the SI
sessions, students are required to register for a section of one credit and pay
tuition to allow attendance at the SI sessions. SI is provided to 35 sections of
courses.
Payton, J., & Overly, C. (1994, Summer). Supplemental Instruction and Physical Geology. Supplemental Instruction Update, 1, 3 This article provides an overview of the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in a Physical Geology course at Western Michigan University. This course has served as a "gatekeeper" course for students who are considering geology as a major. Frequently cited SI session activities included: vocabulary development/review; ask group to assist with generating SI session agenda; create a visual matrix to help organize information; frequently use the "informal quiz" to check for comprehension level of SI participants; and create opportunities for students to connect lecture material to SI participants' lives.
Ramming, V. (1989, Fall). Supplemental
Instruction: A proactive frontloading model. New Jersey Association of
Developmental Educators Newsletter, 1
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program.
Reeve, A. (1989, August). Different approach to
tutoring: Supplemental Instruction. Aspirations: Association of Special
Programs in Region Eight Newsletter, 2, 1
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program with advantages of the SI model in comparison with traditional
tutoring.
Staff writer. (1993, November). Academic
programme at Queensland University of Technology well supported.
The Chinese
Business and Professional Association of Queensland Newsletter,
20-21
This newsletter article describes the use of Peer Assisted Study Strategies
(PASS) at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia).
PASS is the local institutional name for Supplemental Instruction (SI). The
article cites the PASS program as one of the projects that contributed to QUT
being selected as Australia's University of the Year in 1993. Benefits reported
for PASS participants include reduction of the failure rate and increased
student motivation and confidence. PASS leaders listed the following benefits
for them: developed personal character and leadership skills, improving their
own learning skills, improved their facilitating techniques, acquired group
management and presentation skills, and built their self-confidence and
self-esteem. Ron Gardiner and Henry Loh are cited as the early leaders of the
PASS project.
Staff writer. (1994, Fall). Supplemental
Instruction. South Carolina Association of Developmental Educators
Newsletter, 3
The newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program.
Staff writer. (1987). Redefining an attrition
risk. Recruitment and Retention in Higher Education Newsletter, 1(3), 6-7
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program. It contains interviews with
Deanna Martin, creator of the SI program, and May Garland who directs SI
training trainings. Garland suggests that SI can help bridge students from
developmental education into the regular courses in the curriculum.
Staff writer. (1989). New Mexico program targets
at-risk classes. National On-Campus Report, 17(2), 3
The newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program as it is being implemented at the University of New Mexico in
introductory chemistry and biology classes during 1988. Data suggests a half a
letter grade higher final course grades for SI participants.
Staff writer. (1995). Supplemental Instruction
equals science success. Recruitment and Retention in Higher Education
Newsletter, 9(8), 9
This newsletter article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
the University of Wisconsin. The researchers from UW studied why the teaching of
science discouraged women from pursuing academic degrees in the area. SI was
cited as a supportive learning environment that was different than the one
experienced in the classroom. Several suggestions for faculty members: build a
comfortable classroom culture; provide collaborative learning activities; accept
students' uncertainties about the content material; confirm the capacity of
students to learn; and personalize science so that students see the connections
between the content and their personal lives.
Staff writer. (1998). 1998 exemplary programs
show how six campuses address pressing issues. NASPA Forum, 20(2), 7-10
The National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) conducted
a national competition to identify exemplary programs located on postsecondary
campuses that meet pressing issues. The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
from the University of Missouri-Kansas City was recognized through this process.
This article provides a short overview of the SI program.
Stephens, J. E. (1994, Fall). Supplemental
Instruction in developmental mathematics. Supplemental Instruction Update,
1-2
Based on a research study concerning the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
with developmental mathematics courses at Tarleton State University (Forth
Worth, TX), the data suggests the following: attendance at SI sessions is
correlated with the perceived level of academic challenge in the course;
academic achievement of SI participants is correlated with the level of activity
in the SI sessions; if there is extensive verbalizations of the thinking process
by SI session attendees, females will tend to have higher achievement than
males; and if there is low levels by SI participants of vocalizing the thinking
process the academic achievement is similar for males and females.
Wilcox, F. K. (Ed.).
Supplemental Instruction
Update.
The Supplemental Instruction Update newsletter is published by the National
Center for Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University of Missouri-Kansas
City. Topics in the newsletter include: interviews with SI programs in programs
around the world; articles discussing adaptions of the SI model; reports of SI
research studies; information regarding upcoming training trainings for SI
Supervisors and conferences for SI program managers; and other topics.
Subscriptions are complimentary for anyone regardless of whether they have
currently active SI programs.
Wilcox, F. K. (1992, Winter). Twenty years of Supplemental Instruction: An interview with Deanna Martin. Supplemental Instruction Update, 1, 6 This newsletter interview of Deanna Martin, creator of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, discusses the historical development of the model and its part in the development of collaborative learning in higher education. Martin believes that the next stage of development for SI is its mainstreaming of academic support and integration of learning strategies into the classroom. She reports of how SI is being used for faculty development.
Wilcox, F. K. (1996, Fall). Supplemental
Instruction: Academic support in high-risk courses.
Midwest Regional
Association for Developmental Education Newsletter,
10-11
This newsletter article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction
(SI) program.
Wilcox, F. K. (1996, Summer). Supplemental
Instruction in South Africa: An interview with Andre Havenga.
Supplemental
Instruction Update, 1, 3
This interview describes the development of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
program at institutions in the Republic of South Africa. Andre Havenga is an SI
Certified Trainer for South Africa and is also the Director of Instructional and
Organizational Development at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE). UPE
provides SI support for 77 courses in 21 academic departments. Havenga reports
the following benefits of the SI program: provides academic support for the new
student subpopulations that were formerly excluded by government policy;
academic support is mainstreamed with academic courses; provides faculty
development through feedback that allows the instructor to clarify and provide
additional information at the next class session; and provide another forum for
social integration. SI leaders report a number of benefits for themselves:
enhanced academic skills; improved self-confidence; additional work experience
that may help with job interviews; and additional contact with key faculty
members from their discipline.
Wilcox, F. K. (1996, Summer). Supplemental Instruction in Sweden: An interview with Marita Bruzell-Nilsson and Leif Bryngfors. Supplemental Instruction Update, 1, 3 This interview describes the development of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program in Sweden. Academic assistance at postsecondary institutions in Sweden is a new movement. The interviewees are SI Supervisors at Lund University (Lund, Sweden) and are also Certified Trainers for SI. Nearly a dozen institutions in Sweden have established SI programs. SI leaders report that they like serving in the program since they have an opportunity to: develop their presentation skills; practice putting forth a point of view; and developing group management skills that will be useful when they become employed.
Wilcox, F. K. (1997, Spring). Supplemental
Instruction in Australia: An interview with Ron Gardiner.
Supplemental
Instruction Update, 1-2
This interview with Ron Gardiner provides an overview of the development of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) at institutions in Australia. Gardiner, a
physicist, is an SI Certified Trainer and is Emeritus Professor and Coordinator
of the SI program at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. An
additional feature of the SI program is that the classroom instructor requests
feedback from the SI leader concerning the comprehension level of the students.
This provides an opportunity for the instructor to clarify or provide more
information at the next class period.
Wilcox, F. K. (1998, Winter). Supplemental
Instruction. NASPA IV West Newsletter,
4.
This short newsletter article provides a basic overview of the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. The article three of the reasons that are commonly
cited by institutions regarding why they have selected SI: (1) high risk courses
are easy to identify; (2) SI meets the perceived needs of students; and (3) SI
avoids a remedial image and is non-threatening.
Wolfe, R. F., & Wells, E. (1990, Winter). Community mentors for Supplemental Instruction. National Association for Developmental Education Newsletter, 12 Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD) has made an adaption of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) to provide additional information concerning personal and career options related to the courses that have SI attached to them. A community person (mentor) is invited to attend one SI session for a course that is applicable to the mentor's field. A mentor may be a personal friend of the course instructor, or may be active in the vocational trade council, cooperative education, or advisory boards serving career programs at the college. The SI leader helps prepare the SI participants to generate questions for the mentor's visit. The mentors become another partner in encouraging academic success and the meaningfulness of the course for future jobs. Upon mutual interest, the mentors and students may continue discussions outside of class and SI sessions that might result in job site visits or additional career discussions.
Arendale, D., &
Martin, D. C. (1997).
Review of research concerning the effectiveness of
Supplemental Instruction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and other
institutions. Kansas City, MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas City. (ERIC
Document Reproduction Service No. ED 370 502)
This report provides both a narrative overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model and a review of the major research studies concerning SI. A major portion
of the research concerns a meta-analysis of SI research from 270 institutions
from across the U.S. The analysis reviewed 4,945 research studies of 505,738
college students between 1982-83 and 1995-96. Regardless of institutional type
or academic discipline, SI participants in comparison with non-participants
receive mean final course grades that are higher (2.42 vs. 2.09), higher rates
of A or B final course grades (46.8% vs. 35.9%) and mean percentages of D, F and
withdrawal rates that are lower (23.1% vs. 37.1%). Even when the data is
separated by broad academic disciplines or individual departments or classes,
the positive differences for SI participants remain. In a national study of 13
institutions and 2,410 students, the question of helpfulness of SI for students
of color was examined. The study found that students of color participated in SI
at rates equal or exceeding those of White students (White, 33.8%; African
American, 42.0%; Latino, 50.9%; Asian/Pacific, 33.3%; and Native American,
42.9%). Students of color received higher grades than similar students (2.02
final course grade vs. 1.55, rate of 36% for D, F, or W vs. 43% for non-SI
participants). Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City mirror those
from the national studies. A study of UMKC that examines 375 courses with an
enrollment of 14,667 students year by year from 1980-81 to 1995-96 found that SI
participants earned high mean final course grades, higher rates of A and B final
course grades and lower rates of D, F and course withdrawals. In a Winter 1996
study concerning the potential bias of student motivation the results favored
the SI participants. SI participants received: final course grade of 2.78, rate
of 58.9% for final grades of A or B, rate of 17.2% for D, F or W. The non-SI
motivational control group received lower levels of academic achievement: final
grade of 2.16, 33.9% A or B, and 26.8% for D, F or W. All other non-SI
participants received grades similar to the motivated non-SI group: final grade
of 2.38, A or B rate of 42.7%, and 38.6% D, F or W. In a study of UMKC students
separated into quartile groups on the basis of standardized entrance test
scores, the SI participants outperformed their non-SI counterpart quartile group
in nearly all comparisons. Top quartile: SI group 3.29 final course grade vs.
2.83 for non-SI, 92.9% reenrollment vs. 93.1% for non-SI; Middle two quartile
groups: SI group 2.67 vs. 2.28, 90.5% reenrollment vs. 77.9% for non-SI; Bottom
quartile: SI group 2.10 final course grade vs. 1.77 for non-SI, 85.6%
reenrollment vs. 77.9% for non-SI. A study of SI attendance during Winter 1996
suggested a positive correlation between higher academic achievement and higher
levels of SI attendance: no SI attendance: 2.37 final course grade, 42.2% A or
B, 39.3% D, F or W; attended one to three times: 2.77, 56.3% A or B, 21.4% D, F
or W; attended four to seven times: 2.82 final course grade, 63.0% A or B, 17.4%
D, F or W. In a study of UMKC students who were first-time freshmen students in
1989, SI participants had graduated at a rate of 46.0% by Fall 1996 as compared
with 30.3% of students who had never participated in SI. Other studies include
research questions concerning demographic variables and rival hypotheses.
Harrington, J., & Moore, D. (1986).
Say "Si"
to supplementals. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Meeting of the Rocky
Mountain Regional Conference of the International Reading Association, Colorado
Spring, CO. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 270 739)
This paper provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
The authors describe a pilot test of the SI program with a Spanish class at the
University of Nebraska-Omaha. Lessons learned from the pilot test of SI
included: tie SI sessions to one course taught by one instructor; hire staff
leaders for sessions; provide adequate feedback and constructive criticism for
session leaders; and inform students that SI session attendance is not a
substitute for independent studying.
Hawthorne, J., & Hawthorne, J. W. (1987). Separating the wheat from the chaff: Finding the unique effect of Supplemental Course Instruction. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 328 201) Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Olivet Nazarene University (CA) was examined through a study utilizing path analysis. Confounding factors such as the voluntary nature of the study sessions and the open admission policy of the college were controlled through path analysis/structural equation modeling. The analysis studied: 1) the effect of factors affecting SI participation, such as high school rank, marital status, semester load, and expected grade; and 2) the effects of SI participation on course grade, semester grade point average, and re-enrollment. Overall, path analysis explained 12.5 percent of the total variance of SI participation. Three of the exogenous variables have a direct, statistically significant, impact on SI participation: 1) The study found that the more a student is "at-risk" the more likely he or she is to use SI. 2) There is a direct positive effect between reported high school grades and SI participation. 3) The longer the student has been out of high school, the less likely he is to use SI. Two endogenous variables also have direct impacts on SI participation: 1) The more a student works, the less likely he is to attend SI sessions. 2) Students who expect to do well in the course are significantly more likely to attend SI sessions. SI participation had significant direct effects on course grade, semester GPA, and reenrollment. Since there was direct effects of SI on grade point average and semester grade point average, the authors suggest the transfer of study skills learned to other courses.
Kenney, P. A. (1989). Effects of Supplemental Instruction on student performance in a college-level mathematics course. Paper presented at the 1989 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA: (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 347 874) This paper describes a research study that used Supplemental Instruction (SI) in a first-semester calculus course for business and economics majors at the University of Texas at Austin. The experimental design for this study used Campbell and Stanley's Nonequivalent Control Group model. The study used two lecture classes with the same instructor. Each class was divided into two discussion sections, and of those, one from each received the SI treatment. In the control sections the teaching assistant performed typical duties. In the SI sections the assistant performed the same duties but in addition she provided instruction on the study skills relevant to the course as it progressed and other activities that SI leaders would perform or facilitate. The results showed a statistically significant difference favoring the SI treatment group: the control group mean course grade point average of 2.43 and that for the treatment group of 3.00; the control group mean semester grade point average (GPA) of 2.51 and that for the treatment group GPA of 2.95. A multiple linear regression model was then chosen as a more complete method of analysis. Three of the independent variables had coefficients which were significant at the .05 level -- high school class rank, discussion section attendance, and control/treatment group membership. This helps to answer the question of whether SI was just a form of "double exposure" to the course content. Since SI sessions were qualitatively different than the traditional discussion sections (as evaluated by outside observers using a observation protocol) and that the students who participated in the SI sessions earned higher mean final course grades, it appears that SI sessions were more than double exposure. A multiple regression analysis of semester grade point average found that three of the variables were significant at the .05 level -- the SAT Mathematical score, discussion section attendance, and group membership.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1990).
Supplemental Instruction: Improving
student performance, increasing student persistence. Kansas City, MO:
University of Missouri-Kansas City. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED
327 103)
This report describes the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at the
University of Missouri-Kansas City. Among the topics in the paper: narrative
overview of the SI model; history of the development of SI at UMKC and other
institutions across the U.S.; outcomes for students and the institution; and
potential for adoption by other institutions.
Maxwell, M. (1997).
What are the functions of
a college learning assistance center? (ERIC Document Reproduction Service,
No. ED 413 031).
To be effective, college learning assistance centers (LACs) must reflect the
mission and goals of the institution and be coordinated with existing programs
and services. Based on the professional literature, LACs engage in fourteen
major functions. One of them is providing Supplemental Instruction (SI) for
academic support and enrichment in historically-difficult courses. Although most
SI programs are voluntary and offer no credit, there are exceptions. At
California State University at Long Beach the Learning Assistance Center offers
20 to 30 SI classes in different academic subjects each term. These students can
earn one academic credit for attending weekly SI sessions and completing other
course requirements.
Ochae, R. (1995).
Writing partners: Improving
writing and learning through Supplemental Instruction in freshman writing
classrooms. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Council of
Teachers of English in San Diego, CA: (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED
395 323)
A study was conducted at Black Hills State University (SD) which has an open
admission policy and high attrition and dropout rates in the first writing
course. Results suggested that SI helped SI participants to improve writing
skills (gain of 15.7% on standardized test vs. 14.0% for courses taught by the
same professor but without SI), earn higher mean final course grades (2.6 vs.
2.5, reduce failure rates (13.8% vs. 16.0%), and lower course withdrawal rates
(6.1% vs. 6.9%).
Warren, B. Z. (1997).
Personality, learning
style, gender, and ethnic characteristics of students attending Supplemental
Instruction. Paper presented at the Annual Teaching/Learning Conference,
October 10-11, 1997, Ashland, KY. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED
413 019).
A study was conducted to gather information on students participating in
Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University of Central Florida in Spring
1997. Using Long's Personality Checklist, 163 students classified themselves as
aggressive-dependent, aggressive-dependent, passive-independent, or
passive-dependent. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory was administered to the
group. Findings included: (1) Although the majority of SI students were White
and female with aggressive-dependent personality styles, science students
displayed assimilator and converger learning styles, while non-science students
displayed accommodator learning styles. (2) Hispanics most commonly identified
their learning style as assimilator. (3) Black and Hispanic students showed the
least inclination toward the converger learning style, while it was one of the
main styles displayed by White students.
Wolfe, R. F. (1991).
Supplemental Instruction
with mentoring support at Anne Arundel Community College. Arnold, MD: Anne
Arundel Community College. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, No. ED 413 942).
Anne Arundel Community College's Supplemental Instruction (SI) with Mentoring
Support provides a program of academic support for students enrolled in
difficult required courses, while also creating valuable opportunities for
faculty professional development and community interaction. By adapting the SI
model for the community college, this program has trained students and faculty
to work together to facilitate learning and thinking skills through a
learner-centered approach of peer group study and community and faculty
mentoring support. Student SI leaders are trained through a three-credit hour
practicum in education course. Faculty who are trained in study skills and
learning strategies through a three day pre-term training seminar: attend
classes and study sessions in courses outside their discipline for the first
four weeks of the academic term; work as mentors to student SI leaders to
prepare strategies for SI sessions; work with SI leaders to create supplemental
materials; formally evaluate SI leaders during the second half of the academic
term; and maintain a daily journal. In evaluating the project, faculty mentors
stated the program provided an opportunity to broaden their professional
expertise and their perspectives on student learning. They had developed new
teaching approaches, an awareness of their teaching styles, and an understanding
of students' needs. A second modification to the SI program provided local
community leaders in their career fields to provide mentoring support in small
group sessions and on-site visits. On the day of the community leader's visit,
SI leaders conduct an abbreviated SI session, giving the community mentor the
opportunity to observe and participate in an SI session. Then, the community
mentor speaks informally with students, discussing career related topics and
answering students' questions.
Zaritsky, J. S. (1989).
Peer tutoring: Issues
and concerns, results of a survey. Long Island City, NY: La Guardia
Community College. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 315 134)
In 1988, a survey was conducted to determine the characteristics and extend of
peer tutoring program at two- and four-year colleges in New York. Findings
included: 95 percent of institutions had at least one peer tutoring program; 2)
41 percent had centralized tutoring labs; 3) institutions most commonly provided
Supplemental Instruction in mathematics, biology, business, chemistry, and
English; and 4) 96 percent provided peer tutors with training.
Zaritsky, J. S. (1994).
Supplemental
Instruction: A peer tutoring program at La Guardia Community College. Long
Island City, NY: La Guardia Community College. (ERIC Document Reproduction
Service No. ED 373 850)
This report describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at La Guardia
Community College (NY). In spring 1993, an SI program was pilot tested in
Principles of Accounting I, Introduction to Economics I and Fundamentals of
Human Biology I courses. In Economics I the SI participants received a higher
percent of A, B, and C final course grades (37% vs. 27%) and a lower rate of D,
F, and course withdrawals (63% vs. 73%). In Economics I the SI participants
received a higher percent of A, B and C final course grades (51.7% vs. 43.6%)
and a lower rate of D, F and course withdrawals (48.3% vs. 56.4%). In Human
Biology I the SI participants received a higher rate of A, B, and C final course
grades (63.2% vs. 48.3%) and a lower rate of D, F, and course withdrawals (36.7%
vs. 51.7%). Some SI leaders reported personal improvement in the following
areas: higher self confidence since they helped other students to do better;
increased content knowledge through second review of the course; improved
interpersonal communication skills; accelerated emotional and intellectual
growth.
Section Seven: Published Conference Proceedings
Arendale, D. (1994). Supplemental Instruction:
Providing academic assistance at small colleges.
The Freshman Year Experience
7th Annual Conference for Small Campuses Conference Program and Proceedings
(pp. 61-62). Columbia, SC: The National Center for the Study of the Freshman
Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service
No. ED 374 765)
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in small colleges
to provide academic support.
Arendale, D. (1997). Supplemental Instruction:
Review of research concerning the effectiveness of SI from The University of
Missouri-Kansas City and other institutions across the United States. In
Proceedings of the 17th and 18th Annual Institutes for Learning Assistance
Professionals: 1966 and 1997 (pp. 1-25). Tuscon, AZ: University Learning
Center, University of Arizona.
This paper provides a narrative overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model and a review of the major research studies concerning SI. The studies are
based on data from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a separate data
base of nearly 5,000 research reports describing the use of SI at 270
institutions with a total student enrollment of more than 500,000 in the classes
where SI was offered.
Arendale, D., & McLaren, A. (1999). Supplemental
Instruction: Variations on the basic theme. In Selected Proceedings of the
16th (1997) & 17th (1998) Annual Conferences of the Pennsylvania Association of
Developmental Educators (pp. 40-44). Pittsburgh, PA: The Community College
of Allegheny County
This paper describes some of the successful variations of Supplemental
Instruction (SI). After an initial overview of SI, descriptions about
innovations of the model. The first concerns Video-based Supplemental
Instruction (VSI). VSI is described as an information delivery system. College
students enroll in telecourses that are identical to credit courses delivered
live on campus by the same professor. Students enrolled in these VSI course
sections attend class eight hours a week rather than three hours since the
videotape lectures are frequently stopped to engage in SI session activities.
Developmental level students enrolled in VSI course sections earn higher final
course grades than the traditional students enrolled in the live course
sections. The second variation of the SI model is to use it for faculty
development and renewal. Successful models include Salem State College and Anne
Arundel Community College. Common activities include: SI leader providing
anonymous feedback to the course lecturer; lecturer incorporating SI session
activities inside of class sessions; lecturers serving as assistant SI
supervisors and expanding their instructional/learning skills by observing other
professors; and other associated activities.
Barrett, M., Sutcliffe, P., & Smith, B. (1994).
Students as mentors: The case of management education.
Proceedings of the
Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management
Wellington, Australia: Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to have
advanced-level students (peer mentors) help commencing students (mentees)
overcome the teaching and learning problems often associated with large
lecture-based introductory courses in management in several courses at
Queensland University of Technology (Australia). "Management and Organization"
has the primary focus for this study. Students who attended six or more sessions
had significantly higher final course grades than those who attended less than
six times. It appears that motivation or self-selection was not a major variable
since the students who attended six or more times had a similar academic profile
to students who did not attend at the same frequency. Surveys of students
suggested that the mentoring program helped them to develop new study strategies
and approach the material in a more effective manor. Mentors reported that they
improved their interpersonal communication skills, ability to mange group
dynamics, and enhanced their personal study skills.
Bruzell-Nilsson, M., & Bryngfors, L. (1996). Use
of Supplemental Instruction to improve student learning in Sweden.
A passport
to enhanced student learning, success, satisfaction, and retention. Proceedings
of the International Conference on the First-Year Experience, St. Andrews,
Scotland (pp. 67-68). Columbia, SC: The National Resource Center for the
Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction
Service No. ED 398 792)
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at postsecondary
institutions in Sweden. Both a basic overview of the SI model and adaptions to
the SI model for use in Sweden are shared.
Cezar, T., & Gordy, K. (1985). Supplemental
Instruction: A model of academic support. Published Conference Proceedings of
the Midwest Regional Association of Developmental Educators St. Louis. MO:
Midwest Regional Association of Developmental Educators
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with improving
academic achievement of students in historically difficult courses.
Clark, C., & Koch, E. (1997). Supplemental
Instruction for the South African context: A case study at the University of
Port Elizabeth. In R. B. Ludeman, & S. Hubler (Eds.),
Quality student
services around the world: Bridging student needs and student success (pp.
124-146). Washington, D.C.: National Association of Student Personnel
Administrators.
This paper describes how the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program was adapted
for use at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) in the Republic of South
Africa. Issues discussed in the paper include: perceptions and academic
performance of first year students; diversity in student composition in terms of
language, culture and educational background; departments and curriculum
developments; and the personal growth of SI leaders. SI is offered to students
in 19 departments offering 25 courses in the Faculties of Science, Arts, Law,
Economics, Social Science, and Health Science. The SI program is supervised by
the Centre for Organisational and Academic Development (COAD). In a qualitative
and quantitative study of students from Fall 1995 SI participants earned higher
grades than nonattendees in nearly all courses. Follow up in the other courses
suggested that SI was less than effective due to heavy time tabling of the
students that precluded their regular attendance in SI sessions. Feedback
provided through the SI program led to curricular reform in several courses
where many students experienced academic challenges. SI was found to be equally
effective for students from racially diverse and academically disadvantaged
backgrounds. Faculty development activities occurred when lecturers attended SI
leader training trainings and embedded SI session activities inside their
traditional classroom presentations. The researchers suggested that
participating lecturers changed their lecture style, made changes to the
curriculum, and became more sensitive to diversity issues. SI leaders reported
changes due to their involvement: reinforced knowledge of the academic
discipline; improved personal academic performance; increased their facilitation
and interpersonal skills; increased personal self esteem and confidence levels;
and increased career opportunities due to skills in group facilitation.
Commander, N. E., Callahan, C. A., Shatton, C.
B., & Smith, B. D. (1997). Adjunct courses and Supplemental Instruction: A ten
step training. In Selected conference papers of the National Association for
Developmental Education, Volume 3 (pp. 14-16). Mobile, AL: University of
South Alabama.
At Georgia State University there has been a transition from focusing on
developmental courses for some to offering learning support for all students.
The authors provide ten questions that can guide an institution as they consider
offering Supplemental Instruction (SI) and adjunct courses. In 1996 the
institution was offering SI in 28 course sections will a combined enrollment of
3,900 students. About one-third of the students participated in SI sessions. SI
participants earned between one half to a full letter grade higher in comparison
with similar non-SI attendees. The ten questions that the authors suggest when
designing a new learning support program are: 1. What makes your campus unique?
2. What population do you wish to serve? 3. What courses will you target? 4. How
will you build faculty support? 5. How will you market your program? 6. How will
you design your curriculum? 7. What results will you share with colleagues in
your institution? 8. What results will you share with colleagues outside your
institution? 9. How will you secure campus resources? 10. What problems are
unique to your situation and what are possible solutions?
Cross, I. G. (1997). Peer support through
Supplemental Instruction for civil engineering students.
Proceedings from the
2nd Working Conference on Engineering Education: Professional Standards and
Quality in Engineering Education (pp. 97-102). Sheffield, England: Sheffield
Hallam University
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction for civil engineering
students in the United Kingdom.
Gardiner, R. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: A
cost-effective, student-centered collaborative learning program.
Proceedings
of the Second International Open Learning Conference (pp. 214-219).
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: International Open Learning Conference.
This paper presented by Emeritus Professor Ron Gardiner of Queensland University
of Technology describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in Australia.
After an extensive description of the SI model, program benefits for the SI
Leaders and the course instructors are described. Benefits to the SI Leaders
include: deeper understanding of the course content; development of leadership
and group facilitation skills; increased self-confidence; improved job
marketability and admission to advanced graduate work due to service as SI
Leader; development of professional relationship with course professor;
membership in an effective peer support network; and modest financial reward.
Benefits for the course professors that have SI attached to their lectures:
timely feedback concerning the comprehension level of the students regarding
course material; opportunity to repeat previous lecture material in a modified
fashion to increase comprehension; an option to modify future teaching
strategies based on feedback from students; a basis for accessing additional
funds through grants (e.g., teaching and learning development grants); increased
rapport with students and SI Leaders; membership in local, national and
international SI network; increased recognition from their colleagues; and
increased satisfaction with their teaching role. The institution benefits in
several ways: deployment of a cost-effective, student-centered learning
enhancement program; membership in national and international SI networks; and
effective means of managing the collective learning power of its students.
Gordy, K. (1987). Supplemental Instruction in the
context of critical thinking. Proceedings of the Intellectual Skills
Development Association Conference San Diego, CA: Intellectual Skills
Development Association
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to increase the
level of critical thinking by students enrolled in historically difficult
college courses.
Gravina, M. (1990). Supplemental Instruction: A
collaborative experience. Conference Proceedings of the Southeastern
Conference on At-Risk Students Savannah, GA: At-Risk Students Association
This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
Gravina, M. (1990). Supplemental Instruction: A continuation of the goals of the Freshman Year Experience. Proceedings of the Freshman Year Experience Conference in Austin, TX Columbia, SC: The National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction program.
Gravina, M. (1990). Supplemental Instruction: A continuation of the goals of the Freshman Year Experience. Proceedings of the Freshman Year Experience Conference in Tampa, FL Columbia, SC: The National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction program.
Gravina, M. (1990). Supplemental Instruction and
enhanced performance in social science classes. Conference Proceedings of the
National Social Science Association Louisville, KY: National Social Science
Association
This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
Gravina, M. (1990). Supplemental Instruction:
Success with diverse student populations. Conference Proceedings of the
Minority Student Today Conference San Antonio, TX: Minority Student Today
Conference
This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.
Data suggests that the SI program is helpful for all students, regardless of
their ethnic background or previous levels of academic preparation.
Gravina, M. (1991). Supplemental Instruction: A
continuation of the goals of the Freshman Year Experience.
Proceedings of the
Freshman Year Experience Conference in Kansas City, MO Columbia, SC: The
National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in
Transition
This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction program.
Gravina, M. (1991). Supplemental Instruction: A
continuation of the goals of the Freshman Year Experience.
Proceedings of the
Freshman Year Experience Conference in Long Beach, CA Columbia, SC: The
National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and Students in
Transition
This article provides an overview of the Supplemental Instruction program.
Healy, C. E. (1994). Supplemental Instruction: A
model for supporting student learning. Proceedings of the International
Conference on Group and Interactive Learning (pp. 171-176). Southampton,
England: Computational Mechanics Publications
This article describes the implementation of Supplemental Instruction in
engineering courses at Glasgow Caledonia University in Scotland. The University
is seeking to initiate cultural change through partnership events involving
students, staff and employees. Research studies suggested improvements by both
the SI participants (64.8 percentile vs. 54.4 percentile for non-SI
participants) and the SI leaders. Some SI leaders reported that they had now
considered pursuing a teaching career based on the positive experience with the
SI program.
Hillman, J. C. (1996). The value of Supplemental
Instruction in conceptual learning. In Proceedings of the 1996 4th AFRICON
Conference (pp. 288-292). New York, NY: Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers
Undergraduates have difficulty with courses that are conceptual in nature. The
internalization of concepts and the development of problem solving skills is
achieved by individuals in a variety of ways, relatively few of which are known
by lecturers or actively sought. Supplemental Instruction (SI) can overcome
these problems by encouraging students to learn from the experiences of others
by participating in structured group discussions which are facilitated by senior
students. This paper describes the development of an SI program with a first
year electrical engineering course and concludes that it is both an efficient
and cost effective methods of improving student learning, particularly for those
from an educationally disadvantaged background.
Johnston, C. (1995). Peer tutoring in Economics at the University of Melbourne. In Australian Economic Education Symposium Proceedings (pp. 48-71). Adelaide, Australia: University of Adelaide This paper describes an adaptation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model used at the University of Melbourne (Australia) in 1993. The model integrates Diploma of Education students in an undergraduate economics group learning program (Macroeconomic theory and Macroeconomic Policy). Several adaptations of the SI program: the group facilitator was a volunteer postgraduate Diploma of Education student; two wine and cheese evenings were scheduled to provide the facilitator and students to interact socially and exchange experiences with one another. It found that small groups operate more effectively in terms of group cohesion, longevity and perception of improved performance when supported by postgraduate students. Postgraduates developed an enhanced range of skills in relation to group management, cooperative learning and communication.
Kelly, B. A. (1995). Peer-Assisted Study
Sessions: An instrument for quality assurance in high risk subjects.
Higher
Education Research and Development Society of Australia Conference Proceedings
.
This paper describes the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), a local
name for the Supplemental Instruction program as it is used at the Queensland
University of Technology in Australia. The PASS program is being used as part of
the institution's quality assurance (QA) system to regularly examine the needs
of its customers (i.e., students enrolled in the courses that had PASS attached
to them, faculty members who taught the courses, and the general community who
employed the students). There was special concern for courses in which the
faculty members were instructing students from other college majors. The PASS
leaders served as a conduit for weekly communications with the faculty members
regarding the comprehension level of the students and can make decisions
regarding modifying their classroom delivery. This "just-in-time" feedback
system provides immediate benefit to the students and lectures as weekly
incremental improvements can be made.
Knott, A. (1997). Towards developing a
theoretical and institutionally contextualised model of Supplemental Instruction
in the curriculum which entails greater intra- and inter-institutional
collaboration between Supplemental Instruction supervisors and academic
development practitioners in the region. 1997 South African Association for
Academic Development Conference Proceedings Vista University, Port Elizabeth
Campus, Republic of South Africa.
This paper critically discusses the model of Supplemental Instruction (SI), an
academic student assistance program that has been implemented on the Port
Elizabeth campus of Vista University within the context of offering suggestions
on how SI can be used by academic development (curriculum and institutional
development). SI is one part of a comprehensive learning environment that
promotes alternative teaching and learning methodologies and delivery systems
that are relevant to the diverse needs of all students.
Koch, E. (1996). The relationship of attendance
of Supplemental Instruction with the performance of first year students at the
University of Port Elizabeth. Proceedings of the Conference on Student
Contributions to Learning (pp. 104-127). Rhodes University, Grahamstown,
Republic of South Africa.
The use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at The University of Port Elizabeth
(South Africa) was investigated by examining the statistical relationship of
attendance of SI with performance through multiple regression analysis. The
sample consisted of first year students in the Science and Humanities faculties.
In most of the courses there was a positive relationship between attendance of
SI and performance. This was especially true for students who attended five or
more times.
Lockie, N. M., & Van Lanen, R. J. (1997). Nursing
students' success and retention in chemistry courses: A collaborative approach.
1997 International Nursing Research Congress Abstracts Indianapolis, IN:
Sigma Theta Tau
This article describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with improving
academic performance of nursing students in chemistry courses. The authors used
the SI program at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, IL.
Loh, H. (1993). Peer Assisted Study Sessions in
anatomy for nursing students. Peer tutoring: Learning by teaching (pp.
193-201). Auckland, New Zealand: The University of Auckland.
This article describes the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), the local
institutional name for their adaptation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI)
model at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia).
Following an institutional commitment to Total Quality Management (TQM), some
TQM principles were found consistent with the SI model of academic achievement.
An anatomy course with first year nursing students was selected as a pilot for
the SI program. Program outcomes include the following for SI participants:
reported an increase in their confidence with the course after participating in
SI sessions (87%); reduced percent of students failing the course (7.8% vs.
19.3%); agreed that the SI leaders motivated them to work harder (80%);
increased their learning skills (90%); increased their understanding of the
content material (87%); and increased their ability to apply the knowledge
gained from class lectures (82%). SI leaders reported the following benefits to
them: developed leadership and character, improved their own learning and
facilitating techniques, acquired skills in group management, developed
presentation skills, and increased their own confidence and self esteem.
Loh, H. (1993). Strategies to overcome the high
failure rate in a subject. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on
the First Year Experience, July 10-13, 1993, Boston, MA (p. 39). Columbia,
SC: The National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience and
Students in Transition.
The Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia) has investigated
the applicability of Total Quality Management (TQM) for improving student
academic success. An anatomy course for nursing students saw its failure rate
drop from 22.8% to 13.6% after the introduction of several interventions,
including Supplemental Instruction (SI). The local institutional name used is
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). Course lecturers listed the following
benefits of the program: rapid dissemination of information and instruction to
students via the SI leaders; rapid feedback from students concerning course
content; provided small group benefits in large lecture classes; improved and
increased the amount of communications between students and the lecturer; and
the lecturer was able to give students increased responsibility for the learning
process. SI leaders mentioned the following benefits to themselves: developed
leadership and character, improved their own learning and facilitating
techniques, acquired skills in group management, developed presentation skills,
and built their own confidence and esteem.
Loh, H. (1994). Strategies to overcome the first
year high failure rate in anatomy for nursing students.
Proceedings of the
7th International Conference on the First-Year Experience, Dublin, Ireland
(pp. 79-80). Columbia, SC: The National Resource Center for the Freshman Year
Experience and Students in Transition
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) since 1992 with
nursing students at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in an
anatomy course (LSB 181). At QUT, SI is known as PASS (Peer Assisted Study
Sessions). Data from 1992 through 1995 suggest substantial benefits of the SI
program to students, SI leaders and the course instructor. The performance of
the students were examined on a 3 to 7 scale (3=fail, 4=pass, 5=credit,
6=distinction, 7=high distinction). SI participant interviews and 1995 survey
data suggested agreement with the following statements regarding the impact of
SI: increased confidence levels (87.0%), lowered anxiety levels (61.5%), higher
motivation to achieve grades of distinction (84.6%), and developed new study
skills (70.3%). Based on data from 1992 in the anatomy course, the SI
participants achieved significantly (p < .01) higher levels of academic
achievement. In comparison with non-SI participants, there were more grades of
level 6 or 7 (39% vs. 27%) and less grades of level 3 (10% vs. 25%). When
comparing failure rates, the results favored the SI participants. SI
participants in 1995 failed the class at a rate of 2.7% while the non-SI group
failed the class at a higher rate of 13.3%. To investigate the possible impact
of student motivation, the failure rate of students who desired to participate
in SI but were unable to attend due to time conflicts failed at nearly the same
rate (12.7%) as the entire non-SI group (13.3%). This appears to support the
conclusion that student motivation was not the major variable impacting student
academic performance. The overall class average (including all SI and non-SI
participants) for grades of level 3 (failure) were reduced from 22.8% before the
introduction of SI down to 7.1% after the fourth year of SI. SI leaders reported
the following positive results: developed leadership skills; improved their
facilitation skills; improved their study skills; acquired group management
skills; and increased their own confidence and self esteem. Instructors who had
SI attached to their course reported the following positive results: rapid
dissemination of information and instructions to the SI participants; provided
benefits of small group instruction within the large lecture sections ( n =
400); instructors received feedback from students which allowed them to
"fine-tune" teaching and improve teaching performance; involvement with the SI
program provided new avenues for grants; enhancement of curriculum vitae; and
improved positive attitude and sense of achievement since students improved
academic performance.
Loh, H. (1996). Supplemental Instruction: A peer
collaborative learning program applied within anatomy for first year nursing
students. Proceedings of the 2nd Pacific Rim Conference on the First Year in
Higher Education (pp. 281-290). Melbourne, Queensland, Australia: University
of Melbourne.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) since 1992 with
nursing students at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in an
anatomy course (LSB 181). At QUT, SI is known as PASS (Peer Assisted Study
Sessions). Data from 1992 through 1995 suggest substantial benefits of the SI
program to students, SI leaders and the course instructor. The performance of
the students were examined on a 3 to 7 scale (3=fail, 4=pass, 5=credit,
6=distinction, 7=high distinction). SI participant interviews and 1995 survey
data suggested agreement with the following statements regarding the impact of
SI: increased confidence levels (87.0%), lowered anxiety levels (61.5%), higher
motivation to achieve grades of distinction (84.6%), and developed new study
skills (70.3%). Based on data from 1992 in the anatomy course, the SI
participants achieved significantly (p < .01) higher levels of academic
achievement. In comparison with non-SI participants, there were more grades of
level 6 or 7 (39% vs. 27%) and less grades of level 3 (10% vs. 25%). When
comparing failure rates, the results favored the SI participants. SI
participants in 1995 failed the class at a rate of 2.7% while the non-SI group
failed the class at a higher rate of 13.3%. To investigate the possible impact
of student motivation, the failure rate of students who desired to participate
in SI but were unable to attend due to time conflicts failed at nearly the same
rate (12.7%) as the entire non-SI group (13.3%). This appears to support the
conclusion that student motivation was not the major variable impacting student
academic performance. The overall class average (including all SI and non-SI
participants) for grades of level 3 (failure) were reduced from 22.8% before the
introduction of SI down to 7.1% after the fourth year of SI. SI leaders reported
the following positive results: developed leadership skills; improved their
facilitation skills; improved their study skills; acquired group management
skills; and increased their own confidence and self esteem. Instructors who had
SI attached to their course reported the following positive results: rapid
dissemination of information and instructions to the SI participants; provided
benefits of small group instruction within the large lecture sections ( n =
400); instructors received feedback from students which allowed them to
"fine-tune" teaching and improve teaching performance; involvement with the SI
program provided new avenues for grants; enhancement of curriculum vitae; and
improved positive attitude and sense of achievement since students improved
academic performance.
Marra, R. M., & Litziner, T. A. (1997). A model
for implementing Supplemental Instruction in engineering. In
Proceedings of
the 1997 Annual Conference on Frontiers in Education Conference (pp.
109-115). Pittsburgh, PA: International Electrical Engineers in Education
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is used at Pennsylvania State University
(University Park, PA) to held students earn higher grades in electrical
engineering courses.
Martin, D. C. (1994). Video-based Supplemental Instruction: An alternative
to remedial courses. The national forum on new student athletes. Proceedings
of the Freshman Year Experience Conference on the First-Year Experience,
Columbia, SC (pp. 33-34). Columbia, SC: The National Resource Center for the
Freshman Year Experience and Students in Transition. (ERIC Document Reproduction
Service No. ED 370 895)
This article describes the use of Video-Based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) at
the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Both a basic overview of the VSI model
and a data study of the pilot study at UMKC. Though the VSI students are less
prepared academically than the students in the large lecture class, the VSI
group received higher mean final course grades (3.64 vs. 2.41), higher overall
reenrollment rates (94 percent vs. 85 percent), and higher reenrollment rates
for academic probationary students (100 percent vs. 45 percent).
Martin, D. C., Hall, P. T., & Arendale, D. (1991). Academic success for inner city high school youth: The positive effects of Supplemental Instruction with an urban high school. Proceedings of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges Conference Washington, D.C.: National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. This paper describe the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with an urban high school in Kansas City, Missouri. Westport High School is a culturally-diverse school located in the central city. Over half the students were one or two years behind grade levels in reading and mathematics and an equal number were economically disadvantaged. SI was provided to students enrolled in 9th and 10th grade English and history classes. SI sessions were scheduled during a scheduled time during the school day three times each week. Research studies suggested that there was improvement in final course grades of students in the English (A and B grades: 28.7% vs. 13.6% before SI; F grades: 23.2% vs. 32.7% before SI)and history classes. Interviews with students and teachers suggest that participation in the SI program also promoted higher levels of class participation and higher achievement on standardized test scores.
McGlone, F. D. (1995). The integration of the
principles of Supplemental Instruction in undergraduate law subjects.
Proceedings of the Inaugural Pacific Rim First-Year Experience Conference
Brisbane, Australia: National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year
Experience and Students in Transition.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at two classes in
Australia's Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Law. SI was
contextualized for use within the law curriculum as was described as a Student
Peer Mentor (SPM) program. The program concentrated on improving qualitative
learning outcomes for the students: promote student use of deep approaches to
learning, develop generic lifelong learning skills, and increase student
autonomy while encouraging them to work and learn cooperatively with their
peers. Several unique features of SPM are identified: selected classes are not
historically difficult, the class instructor and the SPM supervisor are the same
person, and that the class has always provided a one hour staff-led small group
seminar for each two hours of lecture. Other than those previously noted , many
common features are shared by SI and SPM.
Murray, M. H. (1996). Resources for the
resourceless: Maximizing student learning. Proceedings of the 8th Conference
of the Australian Association of Engineering Education (pp. 162-166).
Sydney, Australia: Australian Association of Engineering Education.
This article (which won "Best Paper" award at the conference) describes the use
of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the School of Civil Engineering, Queensland
University of Technology (Australia). A basic engineering statics course in the
first year has been transformed from a traditional lecturer-centered teaching
mode into a student-centered resource-based model. Central to this
transformation has been the integration of SI into the course. The SI sessions
focus on interaction, discussion, and investigation rather than just simple
problem solving. Before integration of SI in the course the total class (SI and
non-SI students) mean final score was 46, in 1996 after the integration the
score increased to 55. These results are based on the aggregated score from four
quizzes during the semester, from a spaghetti bridge design/build/test project,
and from a final end-of-semester exam. Based on standardized scores, the
students in 1996 were less academically prepared than the ones in 1994 before SI
was introduced. The SI participants received a higher mean final percentile
grade in each year of the study (1995: 48 vs. 41; 1996: 56 vs. 42). There was a
positive increase in final course score and higher levels of SI attendance.
Students evaluated the SI session most useful of all course components ( SI
sessions, 53%; lecture, 22%; text book, 16%; study guide, 13%; and tutorial,
9%). SI leaders mentioned the following benefits of the program for themselves:
increased skill in group management; improved public speaking; gained skills in
team building; increased group facilitation skills; improved personal time
management; and increased interest from potential employers because of skills
developed as a SI leader.
O'Donnell, L. E. (1995). Inclusion for learning
disabilities: Technology with learning variables research and Supplemental
Instruction. Empowering children with special needs: Practices around the
world (pp. 192-195). Whitewater: International Association of Special
Education
Learning Variables Research and Supplemental Instruction (LVR/SI) provide an
innovative approach to inclusion for intellectually normal and gifted students
with learning disabilities. The original Supplemental Instruction (SI) model is
generally used with traditional college undergraduate and graduate students.
Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) allows enrolled high school or
college students view the videotaped lectures of a college level course (e.g.,
Western Civilization, General Chemistry) and allow them opportunity to control
the flow of information (e.g., stop, repeat, discuss material before
proceeding). SI, and especially VSI, can be very helpful for students with
learning disabilities since they can be served inside the same content class
rather than requiring an additional class for the students to attend to deal
with their specialized learning needs. The LVR/SI approach refines either the SI
or VSI model with individualized learning variables and computer technology for
application in junior high, senior high, and higher education. Rather than using
video tape with VSI, computer technology might be substituted. In addition, the
SI leader or VSI facilitator is provided critical information about students
with disabilities. This technology-based program allows individuals with
learning disabilities to succeed academically in integrated, inclusive
classrooms.
Peled, O. N., & Kim, A. C. (1996). Supplemental
Instruction in Biology at the college level. Selected Conference Papers of
the 19th Annual Conference (pp. 23-24). Chicago, IL: National Association
for Developmental Education. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service, ED 394 414)
Supplemental Instruction (SI) in 14 biology classes at National Louis University
(Chicago, IL) was found to significantly increase student achievement (74.1
percentile vs. 67.6 percentile for non-SI participants). An additional analysis
studied students with low grades (below the 60th percentile) and high grades
(above the 80th percentile). SI attendance was positively correlated with higher
grades. Many of the SI leaders in biology have been students intending to major
in elementary education.
Quinn, K. B. (1990). Retaining undergraduates and training graduates: A variation on Supplemental Instruction in a College Biology class. Selected Conference Abstracts of the 14th Annual Conference of the National Association for Developmental Education (pp. 48-49). Chicago, IL: National Association for Developmental Education. This article described a retention program based on a variation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model piloted in the Academic Skills Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. SI leaders were graduate students enrolled in the Masters of Teaching Science program at the university. The intent of the pilot program was not only to increase the academic performance of students and the number of students who completed Biology 102 -- one of the most difficult courses for non-majors at the university -- but also to provide a training experience for graduate students who were going into teaching science in the public schools and the community colleges. Research suggests that freshmen SI participants earned higher mean final course grades (3.23 vs. 2.90). Students who attended SI six or more times during the academic term received no lower than a final course grade of B. There was a positive correlation between SI attendance and higher grades (zero to five point scale): attended one SI session, mean final course grade of 3.16; attended two to five, 3.56; attended six to ten, 4.50; attended eleven to twenty-seven, 4.00.
Rust, C., & Price, M. (1994). Improving students'
skills through Supplemental Instruction. Proceedings of the 2nd International
Symposium on Improving Student Learning (pp. 386-395). Oxford, England:
Oxford Centre for Staff Development
Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom is using the Supplemental
Instruction program in the School of Business. SI was implemented with larger
business courses (400 to 500 students) to enhance the learning environment for
the students enrolled in these elective courses that are outside their field of
study. Rather than paying the SI leaders, they were given academic credit for
the experience. The research studies of students enrolled in the targeted
courses suggested a positive correlation (p < .05) between SI participation (two
or more times) and higher final course grades (Introduction to Business, 61.4
percentile vs. 56.2 percentile for non-SI participants; Managing Concepts, 60.7
vs. 54.6; and Changing Environment of Business, 56.6 vs. 46.2).
Stratton, C. B., Commander, N. E., Callahan, C. A., & Smith, B. D. (1997). From DS to LS: The expansion of an academic preparation program from developmental studies to learning support. Selected Conference Papers of the National Association for Developmental Education, Volume 2 (pp. 42-44). Mobile, AL: University of South Alabama. With increased emphasis on student retention, a model for expanding academic support through Supplemental Instruction was developed to provide a comprehensive program for a larger population at Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA). Research studies suggested that SI participants earned higher mean final course grades. In addition, students whose predicted success (based on SAT scores and a formula predicting GPA) was low outperformed their peers predicted to be more successful.
Visor, J. N., Johnson, J. J., Schollaet, A. M., Good-Majah, C. A., & Davenport, O. (1995). Supplemental Instruction's impact on affect: A follow-up and expansion. Proceedings from the 20th Annual Conference on Developmental Education (pp. 36-37). Chicago, IL: National Association for Developmental Education. Following up a previous study (Visor, Johnson, and Cole, 1992), the authors sought to determine whether positive change in certain affective variables was associated with participation in Supplemental Instruction (SI): locus of control, the feeling of being in charge of one's own destiny; self-efficacy, beliefs about one's ability to succeed at a given task; and self-esteem. Students from an introductory psychology course at Illinois State University (Normal, IL) were studied in fall of 1994. Students were divided into three categories of participation: regular participants (4 or more times during the term); occasional participants (1 to 3 times); and nonparticipants. The data suggested the following trends. Among freshmen, regular participants tended to have (a) higher self-esteem than nonparticipants, (b) greater self-efficacy than nonparticipants, and (c) greater internal locus of control than nonparticipants and occasional participants. Among upperclassmen, regular participants tended to have (a) higher self-esteem, (b) greater self-efficacy, and (c) greater internal locus of control than nonparticipants and occasional participants. A causal relationship between SI participation and these affective changes is difficult to empirically establish due to confounding demographic variables.
Webster, T., & Dee, K. C. (1997). Supplemental
Instruction benefits students in an introductory engineering course.
Proceedings of the Conference on Frontiers in Education (pp. 101-108).
Pittsburgh, PA: International Electrical Engineers in Education
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) during Fall 1996
in Introduction to Engineering Analysis at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(Troy, NY). The course is generally taken in the first semester of the freshman
year and covers vector mechanics (statics), linear algebra, and computer-based
matrix methods for solving engineering problems. Of the students in the class,
23 percent participated in SI sessions. Students who participated in SI earned
higher mean final course grades (3.13 vs. 2.67, p < .025), higher rate of A & B
final course grades (77% vs. 62%, p < .01) and received a lower rate of D, F or
withdrawals (0% vs. 18%, p < .01). There was a positive correlation between
higher levels of SI attendance and higher final course grades. All students who
attended at least four SI sessions throughout the semester received a final
course grade of A or B. A subpopulation of students who were designated as
"at-risk" or "high risk" were studied. SI participants earned higher grades
their counterparts who did not attend SI sessions (At-risk: 2.60 vs. 2.18;
High-risk: 2.38 vs. 1.58; p < .01). The researchers reported that unfortunately
half of these students did not participate in any SI sessions. Surveys of
students suggested the following improvements for the SI program: hold more
sessions during the academic term to help reduce SI session size (mean size =
13); hold SI sessions longer than one hour to provide sufficient time to deal
with material; and consider more than one SI leader to allow smaller SI session
size. SI leaders provided feedback to the course instructor concerning the
comprehension level of students concerning the course material. Instructors used
the feedback to modify future course lectures. SI leaders the following benefits
of the SI program for themselves: deeper understanding of course material,
excelled in other courses since they were reviewing basic concepts in the SI
course, developed communication skills, improved teaching skills, and enhanced
leadership skills.
Wolfe, R. F. (1988). Supplemental Instruction
with mentoring support at Anne Arundel Community College.
Proceedings from
the 1988 Midwest College Learning Center Association Conference. (pp.
106-108). Midwest College Learning Center Association. Available: ERIC Document
Reproduction Service, ED 413 942
The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program at Anne Arundel Community College
(Arnold, MD) was modified to use faculty members as SI supervisors. While this
was the initial focus for the faculty members, the mentor role evolved into an
opportunity for them to observe colleagues and to grow as teachers. Faculty
mentors were placed in classes outside their own discipline. The classroom
instructor and faculty mentor would meet periodically to provide feedback to
each other and discuss strategies to improve instructional effectiveness.
Worthington, A., Hansen, J., Nightingale, J., &
Vine, K. (1997, September). Supplemental Instruction in introductory economics:
An evaluation of the University of New England's Peer Assisted Study Scheme
(PASS). Australian Economic Papers,
69-80
This articles discusses the use of Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) with
approximately 300 students in an Introductory Microeconomics class at the
University of New England (Australia) in 1995. PASS is an Australian
contextualization of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. After an
overview of peer collaborative learning and challenges with student learning in
economics courses, the paper shares the results of qualitative and quantitative
research. Quantitative data included assessment scores, the final exam results
and the responses to a 34 item survey administered to all students in the class.
The survey included questions about their experience in the PASS sessions,
reasons they did or did not participate in PASS, usefulness of the tests,
possible reasons for academic difficulty in the class, and to predict their
final grade in the class. Data were analyzed using Item Response Theory and
multiple linear regression techniques. Qualitative data were collected by the
PASS coordinator from weekly written reports of the PASS facilitators, PASS
session observations, and in-depth interviews. About one-third of the students
participated in SI. Of these students, more than 50 percent attended more than
half of the available sessions during the academic term. The PASS participants
listed either "to improve understanding" or "to gain additional information" as
the top reason for attending the sessions. Only five percent listed "to learn
study skills" as the top reason. Only 22 percent of the nonparticipants said
that they had no desire to attend or thought they were unnecessary. The most
common reason not to attend related to insufficient time. It appears that the SI
programs is directly beneficial to the SI participants and indirectly beneficial
to non-SI participants since the program influenced the teaching staff to
increase student learning. Before introduction of PASS, the failure rate in the
course was 33 percent. Following the introduction of PASS, the failure rates
have dropped to 18 percent. Through weekly feedback from the PASS facilitator,
the class lecturer reported that he intentionally modified the lecture content
and his lecturing style. One change was that the lecturer reduced the volume of
information delivered so that more time could be spent on improving student
understanding of critical concepts.
Worthington, A., Hansen, J., Nightingale, J., &
Vine, K. (1995). Peer teaching and introductory economics: An application using
the Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) at the University of New England.
Conference Proceedings of the Australian Economics Education Symposium in
conjunction with the 24th Conference of Economists (pp. 22-38). Adelaide,
South Australia, Australia: Australian Economics Education Symposium.
This paper discusses the use of Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) with
approximately 300 students in an Introductory Microeconomics class at the
University of New England (Australia) in 1995. PASS is an Australian
contextualization of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. After an
overview of peer collaborative learning and challenges with student learning in
economics courses, the paper shares the results of qualitative and quantitative
research. Quantitative data included assessment scores, the final exam results
and the responses to a 34 item survey administered to all students in the class.
The survey included questions about their experience in the PASS sessions,
reasons they did or did not participate in PASS, usefulness of the tests,
possible reasons for academic difficulty in the class, and to predict their
final grade in the class. Data were analyzed using Item Response Theory and
multiple linear regression techniques. Qualitative data were collected by the
PASS coordinator from weekly written reports of the PASS facilitators, PASS
session observations, and in-depth interviews. About one-third of the students
participated in SI. Of these students, more than 50 percent attended more than
half of the available sessions during the academic term. The PASS participants
listed either "to improve understanding" or "to gain additional information" as
the top reason for attending the sessions. Only five percent listed "to learn
study skills" as the top reason. Only 22 percent of the nonparticipants said
that they had no desire to attend or thought they were unnecessary. The most
common reason not to attend related to insufficient time. It appears that the SI
programs is directly beneficial to the SI participants and indirectly beneficial
to non-SI participants since the program influenced the teaching staff to
increase student learning. Before introduction of PASS, the failure rate in the
course was 33 percent. Following the introduction of PASS, the failure rates
have dropped to 18 percent. Through weekly feedback from the PASS facilitator,
the class lecturer reported that he intentionally modified the lecture content
and his lecturing style. One change was that the lecturer reduced the volume of
information delivered so that more time could be spent on improving student
understanding of critical concepts.
Yates, J., Gill, F., & Webb, C. (1995). Peer
mentoring to facilitate learning in economics. In
Australian Economics
Education Symposium Proceedings: Addendum (pp. 40-56). Adelaide, South
Australia, Australia.
This paper describes and provides a preliminary evaluation of Supplemental
Instruction (SI) used at the University of Sydney (Australia) in an economics
course during 1995. Three quarters of the SI leaders listed the following
benefits of involvement with the program: improved teaching skills; improved
leadership skills; increased confidence; and/or a change in the way they thought
about economics.
Section Eight: Unpublished Manuscripts
Ahrens, R., George, B., Henderson, A., Marhinin,
N., Power, D., Rae, M., Watters, J. J., & Ginns, I. S. (1996).
Students
helping students: Peer Assisted Study Sessions for students enrolled in a
science content subject. Paper presented at the 2nd State Conference of
HERDSA Inc., April 13-14, 1996, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba,
Queensland, Australia.
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program, based upon the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program, was used at the Queensland University of Technology
(Brisbane, Australia) in the Center for Mathematics and Science Education.
Students enrolled in the Primary and Early Childhood area of a Bachelor of
Education degree must take Science Foundations (MDB303) in their first year. The
formal science backgrounds of many students enrolled in this class are
inadequate. This study examined students enrolled in the class during 1995. The
PASS group received higher final course grades (4.88 vs. 4.15, 0 to 7 scale)
than the non-PASS participants. Qualitative research through student interviews
and analysis of surveys suggested improvement gains for the PASS group as well.
Ainsworth, L., Garnett, D., Phelps, D., Shannon,
S., & Ripperger-Suhler, K. (1994). Mathematics: Needs and approaches using
Supplemental Instruction. Unpublished manuscript, Texas Tech University at
Lubbock.
This paper discusses the implementation of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) with courses in mathematics. After a review
of the literature regarding the challenges with academic achievement for
students in mathematics, the authors provide suggestions on how to successfully
implement a SI program: focusing on problem-solving activities in the SI
sessions that clearly illustrate the protocols to solve the problems rather than
focusing just on finding the correct answer; providing more structure to SI
sessions in math in comparison with SI sessions in other academic disciplines;
and working on developing correct use of math vocabulary.
Andersson, A. (1996).
Supplemental Instruction
in Mechanics A. Unpublished manuscript, The Lund Institute of Technology at
Lund, Sweden.
This report describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) in the Mechanics
A course during spring of 1996 in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the
Lund Institute of Technology (Sweden). The author was the SI leader for the
course. The report provides a description of events that occurred during the SI
sessions throughout the academic term. Suggestions from the SI leader included:
be careful to schedule SI sessions at times of highest interest for the
students; keep to time commitments when to start and finish SI sessions since
students may have other appointments following the sessions; divide the SI
participants into smaller groups so maximize student discussions; and make sure
that the SI leader has a plan before the beginning of the session to provide
structure.
Arendale, D. (Ed.). (1999).
Annotated
Bibliography of Supplemental Instruction and Video-Based Supplemental
Instruction. Unpublished manuscript, Center for Supplemental Instruction,
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This
annotated bibliography contains all known Supplemental Instruction and
Video-based Supplemental Instruction documents and resources. It has more than
450 entries in the following categories: dissertations and thesis papers; books,
chapters, and monographs; journal articles; audio and videotapes; newsletter
articles; ERIC documents; published conference proceedings; unpublished
manuscripts; Internet resources; newspaper and magazine press coverage.
Arendale, D. (1993).
Fostering multicultural
education with a learning assistance model that works: Supplemental Instruction.
Unpublished manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This paper describes the
use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to serve as a part of a campus
multicultural education program. Since the primary focus of SI sessions is on
the academic content, the sessions attract students of different ethnicities and
cultures who share a common concern for improving their personal academic
performance in the course. Cultural differences naturally emerge as students
deal with the common academic task and they share their perspectives concerning
the academic material from their personal and cultural point of view. The small
group allows students to see a multiplicity of realities concerning the academic
content. Some researchers argue that collaborative learning environments -- such
as provided through SI sessions -- are more conducive for learning of students
from diverse cultures. This is because some are field sensitive learners and
find the traditional classroom environment of abstract learning unhelpful and
find opportunity during SI sessions to make connections between the course
material and their personal frame of reference. Included in the article is a
research study directed by May Garland and partially funded by the National
Association for Developmental Education. The study included 3 institutions
across the U.S. regarding academic performance of students separated by
ethnicity. Students of color participated at rates equal to or exceeded rates of
White students in SI sessions. Students of color who participated in SI received
mean higher final course grades than students of color who chose not to
participate. The results were the same regardless whether the group was all
students, top quartile, and bottom quartile.
Arendale, D. (1996).
Frontloaded academic
support: Supplemental Instruction in two-year colleges. Unpublished
manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This paper describes the role of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) in providing academic support for new students in
two-year colleges. Included are both interviews with campus SI Supervisors at
two-year institutions across the U.S. and a data study of SI at 59 two-year
public institutions that offered SI in 480 courses with an enrollment of 23,979
students. The data suggests that SI participants earn a final course grade that
is half a letter grade higher than non-participants. In addition to examining
the data in aggregate, similar findings occur when the data is separated by
academic disciplines.
Arendale, D. (1999).
Suggestions for improving
attendance in Supplemental Instruction sessions. Unpublished manuscript, The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This paper is a collection of suggestions developed
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and others in the field on how to
increase attendance by students at Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions.
Because of the voluntary nature of SI attendance outside of course lectures, the
issue of SI session attendance will be a continuing issue. A variety of factors
can influence attendance. The paper provides 27 suggestions for: activities
before the beginning of the term by the SI supervisor; activities by the course
professor during the term; activities by the SI leader during the term;
activities by the SI supervisor during the term; and activities by the SI
supervisor after the academic term. It is critical that students see the
relevance and connection between the activities that occur during SI sessions
and what occurs during the professor's lectures.
Bartlett, G., Terblanche, N., & Eastmond, J. N.
(1996). The politics and process of student involvement in a programme of
Supplemental Instruction. Paper presented at the South African Association
for Academic Development Conference, University of Fort Hare, Republic of South
Africa.
This paper recounts the steps (and missteps) taken in beginning an Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program in two academic departments at Border Technikon (South
Africa): Accounting and Management. It documents the steps taken to draw upon
the resources of the Student Representative Council (SRC) in setting policy,
selecting tutors, and maintaining the program's funding base. The authors
advocate that SI program success is dependent upon a partnership with faculty
and students sharing a stake in the outcomes. The SRC representatives advocated
that all students should be eligible for consideration as SI leaders. Their view
was that even academically weaker students could be helpful since they
understood the challenges in the course and could help others. Also, the SRC
viewed SI as a service for students and that volunteers should be solicited. In
both cases, the compromise was that all students were eligible for the SI leader
position however it was felt that the SI leader should be compensated for the
large time commitment required. Interviews with SI leaders suggested the
following benefits: increased confidence with public speaking; more interaction
with course faculty; development of teaching skills; and improved personal study
strategies. Interviews with SI participants suggested improved: better
understanding of course material; opportunity to practice academic skills;
freedom to discuss material in the smaller, relaxed SI session environment; and
higher test scores.
Botha, L., Van der Merwe, A., & De Klerk, E.
(1996). Tutor programme vs. Supplemental Instruction at the University of
Stellenbosch. Paper presented at the South African Association for Academic
Development Conference, University of Fort Hare, Republic of South Africa.
The Division of Academic Programmes (DADP) at the University of Stellenbosch
(South Africa) runs academic development programs serving the twelve faculties
of the University. Both a traditional tutor program and Supplemental Instruction
(SI) was provided as support and enrichment for the students. At the time of
this paper's publication, quantitative data was not available for summative
evaluation and comparison of the two approaches to academic assistance.
Interviews with students suggested high satisfaction with the SI program for
several reasons: high motivation level of SI leaders; opportunity to work on
writing effective summaries during SI sessions; developing understanding of
basic concepts and subject specific terminology; development of study
strategies; and improved skills for completing essay examination questions.
Boylan, H. R. (Ed.). (1996).
An evaluation of
the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP). Unpublished manuscript, The
National Center for Developmental Education, Boone, NC.
Under contract with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the
National Center for Developmental Education conducted an extensive review of the
Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) from April through September of 1996. The
site team of eight consultants conducted site visits to 20 Texas colleges and
reviewed survey data from 96 institutions. The report provided recommendations
for improvement of TASP. The team found that institutional procedures generally
do not emphasize getting students through remediation as quickly and efficiently
as possible. Instead, these procedures are designed to insure that students are
engaged in continuous remediation until such time as they pass all sections of
the TASP Test in compliance with state law. Recommendation #19 recommends that
Texas institutions establish timely completion of remediation as a priority and
they document specific efforts undertaken to reduce the amount of time TASP
students spend in remediation. A noncourse program that can help achieve the
aforementioned objective is discussed in Recommendation #20. That recommendation
states that Texas institutions which have not done so already consider adoption
of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to help students succeed in historically
difficult courses that are often encountered in the first year curriculum. This
noncourse academic support program could assist a number of students without the
need for enrollment in remedial courses.
Boylan, H. R., Bonham, B. S., & Bliss, L. B.
(1992). National study of developmental education: Students, programs and
institutions of higher education. Unpublished manuscript, Boone, NC:
National Center for Developmental Education.
Through a grant from the EXXON Education Foundation, the National Center for
Developmental Education conducted the most extensive study of developmental
education. The 1989 to 1992 study included 116 institutions representing a wide
diversity of types. More than 6,000 students were subjects of the longitudinal
study. The purpose of the study was to determine what is actually done in
developmental education, to explore whether or not developmental programs
actually contribute to student success, and, if so, to identify what types of
programs and services have the greatest impact upon student success. Among the
list of instructional factors related to student success, Supplemental
Instruction (SI) is one of the items. Other items listed were: mastery level
performance, frequent testing, immediate feedback, required remediation,
individualized instruction, lab activities, integrated teaching of critical
thinking skills, and close proximity of classrooms and support services.
Brazelton, W., Schmidtlein, P., & Baugher, M.
(1981, October). Reducing student attrition in the first-year economics
course through skill-based Supplemental Instruction. Paper presented at the
University of Missouri Economics Conference, Columbia, MO.
This paper discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to improve student
academic performance in introductory college-level economics courses at the
University of Missouri-Kansas City. Data suggests that SI participants receive
higher mean final course grades (66.6% A and B final course grades for SI
participants vs. 45.6% for non-SI participants) and a lower rate of D, F or
course withdrawals (14.8% vs. 21.1%). The total percent of unsuccessful
enrollments (D, F or course withdrawal) for the course was reduced from 34
percent before the introduction of SI to 19 percent during the second year that
SI was offered to the students in the course.
Christie, R., & Cheah, S. (1995).
Support
structures for students in information technology at Queensland University of
Technology. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of Technology at
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the Queensland
University of Technology (Australia) in information technology courses. Based on
qualitative research studies, the following results occurred: 1) SI
participants: were appreciative of opportunity to share their academic problems
and doubts with someone who had successfully completed the course; 2) SI
leaders: improved their skills in leadership, interpersonal communication,
problem solving, study and time management; and 3) course instructors: improved
their teaching by receiving timely feedback from the students. There was a
positive correlation between higher levels of SI attendance and receiving high
marks (6 or 7) in the course.
Clark, C. (1997).
Report by the National
Centre for Supplemental Instruction Southern Africa at the University of Port
Elizabeth fro the Department of Academic Development at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City. Unpublished Manuscript, University of Port Elizabeth,
Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa.
This paper describes results from the 1997 Supplemental Instruction (SI)
national South Africa survey. Currently 53 tertiary institutions comprising more
than 140 faculty and staff members have been trained in use of SI by the
Southern African Center for SI based at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE)
in the Republic of South Africa. Continuing technical assistance and
professional development trainings are offered by the National Center at UPE for
institutions with SI programs.
Clark, C., & Brophy, B. (1995).
Student
perceptions of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) programme at the University of
Port Elizabeth. Paper presented at the South African Association for
Academic Development Conference, Technikon Free State, Republic of South Africa.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of Port Elizabeth (South Africa). A questionnaire investiaged the attitudes of:
attenders and non-attenders, regular and irregular attenders, prepared and
underprepared students, humanities and science students, and finally, pass and
failures. This paper focuses on prepared and underprepared students. The
underprepared students often only attended SI when they had problems in the
course. As a group that studied by themselves. The more prepared students found
the SI sessions useful due to the use of collaborative learning techniques.
Clark, C., & Mallon, P. (1998).
Supplemental
Instruction as a tool to improve student success at South African tertiary
institutions. Unpublished manuscript, University of Port Elizabeth, Port
Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa.
This unpublished manuscript describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
with students at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) and other institutions
in the Republic of South Africa. UPE was selected by UMKC to serve as the
training and technical assistance center for Africa. To date national trainings
have been conducted 14 times with 140 faculty and staff members from 53 tertiary
institutions in South Africa. This paper describes the historical development of
SI with Historic Black Universities, Historic White Universities, and
Technikons/Colleges. Often the SI program is located within the academic
development unit. It is common that SI programs have been introduced to redress
inequalities in academic preparation by the newly admitted students from widely
diverse ethnic backgrounds and academic preparation levels.
Congos, D. H. (1997). Supplemental Instruction models for introductory chemistry and physics. Manuscript submitted for publication, Central Piedmont Community College at Charlotte, NC. This paper provides several models for Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders to use when facilitating sessions in introductory chemistry and physics courses. Problem-solving activities are essential for students enrolled in these courses since many of them are unable to recognize problem patterns and the needed procedures to solve them. In chemistry the following seven steps often are needed: 1) read the problem; 2) rewrite the problem in students' own words; 3) write down what the student is trying to find; 4) list the tools that are given for solving the problem; 5) do factor labeling; 6) check the answer in the book for correctness; 7) if the students' answer is incorrect, return to step #3.
Couchman, J. (1997).
Report on the pilot study
of the Supplemental Instruction program: 51002 Introduction to Accounting.
Unpublished manuscript, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba,
Queensland, Australia.
A 1997 research study at the University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba,
Queensland, Australia) involved all enrolled students in Introduction to
Accounting (51002). By use of the external student cohort as a control group, it
was claimed by the researchers that Supplemental Instruction resulted in a
positive impact on the overall pass rate for the unit, raising it from 39% in
1996 to 55% in 1997. SI participants averaged 1.15 of a grade point higher on a
7 GPA scale than non-participants. SI participants were: only one-third as
likely to fail; nearly four times more likely to gain an HD, approximately
equally likely to gain an A grade; over twice as likely to gain a B grade; and
three-quarters as likely to gain a C grade than non-participants. When examining
a subpopulation of international students, they had a 78% pass rate compared
with 48% for those international students who did not participate.
Couchman, J., & Pigozzo, R. (1997).
Report on
the Supplemental Instruction program: 51008 Economics. Toowoomba,
Queensland, Australia: Unpublished manuscript, University of Southern
Queensland.
This 1997 Supplemental Instruction (SI) study was conducted at the University of
Southern Queensland (Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia) in the 51008 Economics
course. SI participants averaged 0.83 of a grade point higher on a 7 GPA scale
than non-participants. The results suggested that only one-fifth of SI
participants were likely to fail; one-third more likely to gain an HD, two and a
half times more likely to gain an A grade; twice as likely to gain a B grade;
and over one and a half times as likely to gain a C grade than non-participants.
International students who attended SI sessions regularly had a 93% pass rate
compared with 63% for those international students who chose not to attend
regularly.
Davies, E., & Vorster, J. (1994).
The SI
leader as a teaching resource. Paper presented at the South African
Association for Academic Development Conference, University of Natal, Republic
of South Africa.
In 1994 a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program was introduced in the Law
Faculty at Rhodes University (South Africa). Two courses were initially selected
for a pilot program: Legal Theory I and Commercial Law I with joint funding from
the Academic Development Program and the Law School. Interviews with students
suggested that the SI leader empowered the students to be more active in their
own learning process and take additional responsibility for mastery of content
mastery rather than being passive in the classroom. The SI activities were more
student controlled while the formal tutorial program was viewed as more rigid
and prescriptive.
Emal, C., Johnson, T., & Kelter, P. B. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction: A model program that goes against the grain.
Manuscript submitted for publication, University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
This report examines the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE). After an initial overview of the SI model, the paper
reports on a study of the use of SI in multiple sections of Chemistry 109 (1,100
to 1,300 students total) over a period of five academic terms (Fall 1994 through
Fall 1996). The SI participants earned a mean final course grade of 2.70 vs.
2.12 for the nonparticipants. The SI participants received a much lower rate of
D, F and withdrawal grades (17.2 percent) when compared with the nonparticipants
(42.9 percent). There was a positive correlation between increased attendance at
SI sessions with higher mean final course grades. A further analysis of students
was accomplished by dividing them into quartile groups on the basis of their
standardized college entrance scores (ACT). Whether it was the top (3.18 vs.
2.53), bottom (1.97 vs. 1.68) or middle quartile groups (2.60 vs. 2.04) the SI
participants received approximately a mean final course grade that was half a
letter grade higher It appears that SI was equally attractive to all students
since approximately the same percent of students attended SI from each of the
quartile groups (18 to 20 percent).
Frans, P. (1997).
The development of
Supplemental Instruction facilitators as skilled and confident leaders.
Paper presented at the South African Association for Academic Development
Conference, Broederstroom, Republic of South Africa.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Vista
University-Mamelodi Campus (South Africa). In addition to fulfilling traditional
SI program objectives, additional ones were a focus of this contextualization:
providing feedback to the lecturer concerning student comprehension, thereby
providing an opportunity to revise content delivery; give opportunity for
students to use their first language rather than having all conversation occur
in English; providing another venue for faculty development; and ensuring that
all stakeholders -- students, course lecturer, SI Supervisor, and SI leaders --
work together to evaluate the SI program.
Frans, P. (1998). Evaluation of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) programme implemented at a historically disadvantaged university. Paper presented at the South African Association for Academic Development Conference, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.
Gardiner, R. (1997).
Comparison of costs and
financial benefits of a Supplemental Instruction program. Unpublished
manuscript, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia. For further information please contact: Emeritus Professor R B
Gardiner, Ph.D., SI/PASS Program Coordinator, Queensland University of
Technology, GPO Box 2434 , Brisbane 4001, Australia, Tel: +61 (0)7 3864 2927,
Fax: +61 (0)7 3864 1815, E-mail: rb.gardiner@qut.edu.au.
This paper describes the benefits of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
in terms of educational outcomes and financial benefits. The costs and benefits
are based on implementation at higher educational institutions in Australia.
Based on higher reenrollment rates of SI participants, the SI program increases
revenue through savings from lost student fees and tuition. Preliminary data
from Queensland University of Technology in Civil Engineering suggest an
increase in 15 percentage points for reenrollment of SI participants. However,
the financial equation model described in this paper is very conservative and
only estimates a difference of 5 percentage points.
Garland, M., & Gordy, K. (1987). Supplemental Instruction in the context of critical thinking. Unpublished manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City. This manuscript describes how the Supplemental Instruction program can be used to promote critical thinking skills of students. This goal is supported through SI session activities. Independent thought is fostered through session strategies that require students to work privately before group discussions are facilitated. Creating a learning environment in SI sessions where students feel comfortable to talk promotes active learning and vocalizing of ideas. A third component needed by critical thinking proponents is "reflection" when students begin to understand their own thinking processes. SI sessions focus not only on the course content, but also on the process of learning and thinking about it. The SI leader vocalizes when they are thinking about as they consider the material and solving the problems. SI participants are also encouraged to vocalize their thinking process and their uncertainties as well.
Ginns, I. S., & Watters, J. J. (1995).
Final
Report of Peer Assisted Study Sessions in Science Foundations MDB303.
Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia.
This report describes the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) with
students at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia). PASS is the term used at the institution for Supplemental
Instruction (SI). Students enrolled in the Primary and Early Childhood strands
of the preservice Bachelor of Education program are required to undertake basic
studies of science in their first year. This core unit (Science Foundations -
MDB303) was the course proposed for PASS. The performance of the students were
examined on a 1 to 7 scale (1 to 3=fail, 4=pass, 5=credit, 6=distinction, 7=high
distinction). The PASS group earned a statistically significant (p < .01) higher
mean final course grade of 4.88 as compared with 4.15 for the non-participants.
No PASS participants earned a failing grade while 8 of the non-participants did
so. The PASS group earned grades of distinction or high distinction 66 percent
of the time compared with 28 percent for the non-participants. Interviews with
PASS participants identified the following changes: more thorough understanding
of scientific concepts; identified ways of engaging the course content; study
methods improved; established more consistent study times; attitudes towards
science improved; and overall confidence increased. PASS leaders mentioned the
following changes for themselves: increased confidence in teaching skills;
enjoyed working in groups.
Gordy, Z. K., & Garland, M. (1987). Improving college-level thinking through Supplemental Instruction. Unpublished manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City. The authors describe the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) to increase the level of thinking by college students. Since SI sessions incorporate a reflective approach to learning, the SI leader creates an environment for students to increase their level of critical thinking. Not only do the SI sessions focus on review of course content, but also through active discussions, students become more aware of their own thinking process.
Heerspink, J. B. (1997). The use of spatial representation in history courses and in courses with historical content. Unpublished manuscript, Calvin College at Grand Rapids, MI. A Students who learn to represent historical information spatially will find their learning to be both more complete and more efficient. The Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader has a significant role to play in bringing experience in learning history and in the use of learning strategies in the SI sessions. Five typical spatial representation patterns of learning in history courses include: sequence, parts/types/lists, compare/contrast, cause and effect, PERSIA (political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and/or artistic factors). The author is the tutor coordinator at Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI).
Irwin, D., & Risser, B. (1988). Supplemental Instruction-Plus: Levels of academic support at the community college. Unpublished manuscript, Onondaga Community College at Syracuse, NY. Traditional support programs at community colleges focus a great deal of attention on meeting the needs of developmental students. Supplemental Instruction PLUS (SI+) builds on that model to provide several levels of academic support all students as they are challenged. SI+ was developed at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY and is a variation of the traditional SI program. However, SI+ groups have a slightly different focus since SI+ is meant to help students adjust to the demands of college courses after they have completed a sequence of developmental courses. The courses targeted by SI+ are not historically difficult and requiring the intensity of a full SI program. While the study sessions appear similar to traditional SI, SI+ leaders do not attend the course professors lectures. The SI+ leader still models effective study behavior. To keep pace with the course, the SI+ leader meets weekly with the course professor. It is anticipated that students will participate in traditional SI program when they encounter historically difficult courses in succeeding academic terms. The final stage for the SI+ program is for students to create independent study groups in other courses where SI+ and traditional SI sessions are not offered.
Kelly, B. A. (1991).
Selection of leaders to
facilitate Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). Unpublished manuscript,
University of Queensland, Australia.
This article describes the selection procedures for Peer Assisted Study Sessions
(PASS) leaders. PASS is a locally used name at Queensland Institute of
Technology and the University of Queensland in Australia for the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program. Several suggestions include distributing leaflets and
encouraging former PASS participants to apply as leaders. Group interviews are
used to same time and to make students feel more at ease during the interview
process. To meet the need for the program to fit the institutions use of Total
Quality Management (TQM), PASS leaders were asked to complete a questionnaire at
the end of their PASS sessions and to maintain a diary of session activities.
This information was used to improved the PASS program and provide helpful
feedback to the course instructors.
Kelly, B. A. (1992).
And it came to PASS: Peer
Assisted Study Sessions. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of
Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This paper discusses the development of the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
program at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia). PASS is
based upon the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model. The program was piloted in
two classes in Anatomy for Nursing and Statistics for Information Technology.
Research results indicated a lower rate of withdrawal and higher final course
grades for participants.
Kelly, B. A., & Gardiner, R. (1994).
Student
peer mentoring: An effective strategy to promote student learning. Paper
presented at the HERDSA Annual Conference, July 6-10, 1994, 1996:
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program is based upon the Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program developed in the U.S. PASS was used at the Queensland
University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia). A pilot program was carried out
in 1992. Since then, the SI program has spread to seven disciplines in five
faculties, and has attracted four 1994 CAUT grants.
Kelter, P. B., & Carr, J. D. (1996).
Personalizing the large general chemistry lecture experience. Unpublished
manuscript, The University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
This report that includes information about the use of Supplemental Instruction
(SI) was published online in connection with New Initiatives in Chemical
Education, an on-line symposium, June 3 to July 19, 1996. SI was selected since
it helps to provide a support structure to help individuals in the large class
sections of Chemistry 109 and 110. Data from Fall 1995 showed that SI
participants received a higher final course grade (2.80 vs. 1.99), a higher rate
of A and B final course grades (53.1% vs. 34.9%), a lower rate of D and F final
course grades (13.6% vs. 39.4%). Data suggests what when students are classified
on the basis of ACT quartile scores, those who participated in the SI sessions
receive a considerably higher grade in Chem 109 that those who did not if they
had higher ACT scores (top quartile: SI, 3.18 vs. 2.53 non-SI; middle two
quartiles: 2.60 vs. 2.04; bottom quartile: 1.97 vs. 1.68).
Kenney, P. A. (1990, April).
Effects of
Supplemental Instruction on student performance in a college-level mathematics
course: A report of additional results. Paper presented at the 1990 Annual
Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Boston, MA.
This paper details additional results from an experiment on the effects of
Supplemental Instruction (SI) on student performance in a college business
calculus course. The paper is a continuation of research first reported at the
1989 AERA Annual Meeting. SI participants who withdrew from the course most
often cited their perceived lack of prerequisite skills or to problems with
calculus concepts. The author postulates that the exposure to SI raised their
awareness of their lack of skills. Non-SI participants who withdrew from the
course most often cited "personal" reasons. Of the 26 students who failed or
withdrew from the original calculus course, former SI participants were more
likely to immediately reenroll in the course (six students) than the non-SI
participants (one student). Another study focused on the academic performance of
SI and non-SI participants in a succeeding academic term in courses where SI was
not offered. Former SI participants earned no F grades or withdrew from the
second-semester business calculus course. The former SI participants earned a
slightly higher mean final course grade (2.63 vs. 2.48), though it was not a
statistically significant difference. The author speculates that the absence of
SI with the second calculus course may had a bigger impact on former SI
participants -- narrowing the positive difference in academic achievement with
the control group -- since a support service which they were used to accessing
was not available in the next course in the sequence.
Kenney, P. A. (1990). Suggestions for mathematics Supplemental Instruction sessions. Unpublished manuscript, Pennsylvania State University at College Park. This paper was developed to accompany a videotape that provides suggestions for strategies to use during Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions. These suggestions are based upon direct experience while serving as a SI leader in a calculus course at the University of Texas at Austin while she was completing here Ph.D. on the effectiveness of SI. Some of the suggestions included: constantly referring to the course syllabus throughout the academic term; discussing effective note taking in math classes by the SI leader sharing their strategy; discussing ways to maximize the usefulness of the textbook; providing additional structure to the SI sessions; focuses on the problem-solving protocols rather than on just finding correct answers; SI leader providing worksheets to guide SI sessions that help generate group discussion, focus on key concepts, help review for exams, and practice problem-solving skills; test question prediction; and taking practice exams to prepare for in class examinations.
Kenney, P. A. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction
in mathematics: Needs and approaches, critical aspects of mathematics training
and the role of SI. Unpublished manuscript, Pennsylvania State University at
College Park.
Mathematics presents a challenge to many students in higher education. This
paper describes some of these challenges and two approaches to Supplemental
Instruction (SI) that may help students. Critical components of math SI
sessions: 1) a welcome period during which the glossary terms and protocols are
discussed; 2) a period during which students use the protocols to solve problems
similar to the homework; and 3) a period during which students may attempt some
homework problems.
Kenney, P. A., & Kallison, J. M. (1992).
Learning to study college-level mathematics: Effects of a Supplemental
Instruction (SI) program in first-semester calculus courses. Paper presented
at the American Educational Research Association 1992 Annual Conference, San
Francisco, CA.
This paper details results from a Supplemental Instruction program designed for
students in college-level calculus courses during Fall 1989. The studies were
conducted at the University of Texas at Austin by two teaching assistants
employed by the mathematics department and were selected and trained by the SI
program by the staff of the University's Learning Skills Center. The first study
compared the performance of students in Business Calculus. While SI was
beneficial to all SI participants (2.39 vs. 1.96 for non-SI participants), it
was especially helpful for lower-ability students. The second study focused on
an Engineering Calculus course. While the difference was closer for the two
groups (2.01 vs. 1.91 for non-SI participants), SI provided disproportionate
help to the lower-ability students as measured by SAT quantitative scores. More
than 70 percent of students felt that the study strategies introduced by the SI
leaders were either "very helpful" or "helpful." Almost 80 percent indicated
that exposure to study strategies for calculus changed the way they studied
either "very much" or "somewhat," and that the techniques that these skills
would help them in future courses either "very much" or "somewhat." More than 80
percent of the students responded that it was either "very important" or
"important" that all SI leaders incorporate study strategies into discussion
sections. SI leaders mentioned the positive impact of the SI program on
themselves as well: reflect about their teaching methods; develop new teaching
methods; and learned how to integrate learning strategies with content
instruction.
Kernick, G., Kedian, J., Seneque, M., & Louw, R.
(1993). Supplemental Instruction: Toward a conceptual framework. Paper
presented at the South African Association for Academic Development Annual
Conference, University of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Many academic leaders at postsecondary institutions in South Africa report that
many students lack the necessary skills to become successful autonomous
learners. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is being used to help students develop
these skills outside of class since the traditional passive lecture-based
educational delivery system will be slow to change. SI is differentiated from
traditional tutorial sessions since in SI it is learner-controlled.
Koch, E., & Snyders, M. (1997).
The effect of
Video Supplemental Instruction on the academic performance in mathematics of
disadvantaged students. Unpublished manuscript, University of Port
Elizabeth, South Africa.
This paper examines the effect of Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) on
the mathematics performance of students whose matric marks did not enable them
to be directly admitted to the Science Faculty at the University Port Elizabeth
(South Africa). These students were enrolled in Ethembeni Community College in
Port Elizabeth which serves as a preparation area before admission to UPE.
Fifteen students who enrolled in VSI math were matched with 14 students enrolled
in a similar math course that required attendance at Supplemental Instruction (SI)
sessions. Research suggests that VSI was a more useful instructional delivery
system for students with a minimum level of pre-knowledge in mathematics and who
study in a consistent and responsible manner. In addition, the researchers
suggested the usefulness of VSI in distance learning venues where experienced
and trained faculty members are unavailable to deliver live instruction.
Koch, E., & Snyders, M. (1998).
The effect of
Video Supplemental Instruciton on performance in mathematics in the second
semester mathematics special course. Unpublished manuscript, University of
Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
This paper examines the effect of Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) in
the second semester mathematics course which enrolled students from Ethembeni
Community College in Port Elizabeth which serves as a preparation before
admission to the University of Port Elizabeth (South Africa). Students who
enrolled in VSI math were matched with students enrolled in a similar math
course that required attendance at Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions.
Research suggests that VSI was a more useful instructional delivery system for
students with a minimum level of pre-knowledge in mathematics and who study in a
consistent and responsible manner.
Loh, H. (1992).
Peer Assisted Study Sessions
for LSB181, Anatomy for the Nursing Students, 1992. Unpublished manuscript,
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This report discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI), which is called
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the local institution with nursing
students enrolled in a anatomy course. Approximately half the students attended
the SI sessions during the academic term. The program reduced the failure rate
of students (7.8% vs. 19.1%), increased the percent of students receiving high
marks (5, 6 or 7 on a scale of 0-7), and improved the mode and mean final course
grade.
Loh, H. (1997).
Multidisciplinary peer
collaborative study programs for first year Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander students. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of
Technology at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This report describes the use in 1995 of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Queensland University of Technology (Australia) with first year Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) students. Many of these students began
postsecondary education with high anxiety (79% student response), low to medium
confidence in passing their courses, limited knowledge of study skills, and high
to moderate difficulty levels within their respective subjects. A&TSI students
had an attrition rate nearly double other students at QUT (32.7% vs. 18.4%).
About half the A&TSI students participated in the SI program. Using a four point
scale (greatly, moderately, slightly, not at all), data obtained from end of
academic term student surveys of SI participants suggests that SI: was helpful
for increased learning (70% of students selected "greatly"), lowered anxiety
levels (45% greatly and 45% moderately), increased confidence levels (50%
greatly, 50% moderately), improved enthusiasm and motivation to perform better
(45% greatly, 45% moderately), and helped to create a favorable environment
supporting learning (100% greatly). SI participant grades were evaluated on a
seven point scale: fail, one to three; pass, 4; credit, 5; distinction, 6; high
distinction, 7. When analyzing the grade distribution for all A&TSI students,
22.9% of SI participants earned grades of 6 or 7 as compared with 0% for the
non-SI. When examining the failing grades (1, 2 or 3) the SI group had a
dramatically lower rate (22.8%) when compared with the non-SI group (78.3%). SI
leaders reported that their participation in the program led to the following
outcomes: developed facilitation and group organizational skills; improved
confidence and self esteem; and developed their own learning skills.
Loh, H., & Kelly, B. A. (1994).
Supplemental
Instruction (SI) in anatomy for first year nursing students. Unpublished
manuscript, The Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) since 1992 with
nursing students at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) in an
anatomy course (LSB 181). At QUT, SI is known as PASS (Peer Assisted Study
Sessions). The SI modeled was contextualized in several ways: two SI leaders
facilitated each group, allowing for larger numbers to attend each SI session;
principles of Total Quality Management were employed to use SI as a feedback
loop between the students and the lecturer, thereby providing data to the
instructor to allow for immediate changes in the content and delivery. Data from
1992 through 1995 suggest substantial benefits of the SI program to students, SI
leaders and the course instructor. The performance of the students were examined
on a 3 to 7 scale (3=fail, 4=pass, 5=credit, 6=distinction, 7=high distinction).
SI participant interviews and 1995 survey data suggested agreement with the
following statements regarding the impact of SI: increased confidence levels
(87.0%), lowered anxiety levels (61.5%), higher motivation to achieve grades of
distinction (84.6%), and developed new study skills (70.3%). Based on data from
1992 in the anatomy course, the SI participants achieved significantly (p < .01)
higher levels of academic achievement. In comparison with non-SI participants,
there were more grades of level 6 or 7 (39% vs. 27%) and less grades of level 3
(10% vs. 25%). When comparing failure rates, the results favored the SI
participants. SI participants in 1995 failed the class at a rate of 2.7% while
the non-SI group failed the class at a higher rate of 13.3%. To investigate the
possible impact of student motivation, the failure rate of students who desired
to participate in SI but were unable to attend due to time conflicts failed at
nearly the same rate (12.7%) as the entire non-SI group (13.3%). This appears to
support the conclusion that student motivation was not the major variable
impacting student academic performance. The overall class average (including all
SI and non-SI participants) for grades of level 3 (failure) were reduced from
22.8% before the introduction of SI down to 7.1% after the fourth year of SI. SI
leaders reported the following positive results: developed leadership skills;
improved their facilitation skills; improved their study skills; acquired group
management skills; and increased their own confidence and self esteem.
Instructors who had SI attached to their course reported the following positive
results: rapid dissemination of information and instructions to the SI
participants; provided benefits of small group instruction within the large
lecture sections ( n = 400); instructors received feedback from students which
allowed them to "fine-tune" teaching and improve teaching performance;
involvement with the SI program provided new avenues for grants; enhancement of
curriculum vitae; and improved positive attitude and sense of achievement since
students improved academic performance.
Loy, W., Crown, K., & Wessley, A. (1996). Academic support service as a means for professional development. St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Community College at Meramec. This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) as serving both the purpose of providing academic support to students while providing a venue for faculty professional development. The authors presented the paper at the 1996 NISOD conference. During the process of instituting SI, faculty re-familiarize themselves with good student qualities. Faculty learn about collaboratively learning and study strategies that often can be incorporated into classroom. Faculty learn more about curriculum development and learning experiences. The instructor receives continual assessment and feedback through the SI program.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1997).
Mainstreaming of developmental
education: Supplemental Instruction and Video-based Supplemental Instruction.
Unpublished Manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This paper describes the development of Supplemental Instruction (SI) and
Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) to serve an effective way to
mainstream the best features of developmental education into traditional
college-level courses. The historical development and modern day implementation
of both programs are described.
Martin, D. C., & Arendale, D. (1997).
Video-based Supplemental
Instruction: Interactive video courses. Unpublished manuscript, The
University of Missouri-Kansas City.
This report reviews the Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) program
initiated at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The report provides a
descriptive overview of VSI as well as numerous data studies concerning its use
with high school and college students. Data studies suggest that among college
students the VSI participants receive higher final course grades and reenroll at
higher rates than the non-participants. VSI at the college level is targeted for
students who have a history of academic difficulty (e.g., probation or
dismissal) and have lower academic predictors (e.g., lower standardized entrance
scores, lower high school percentile rank). As measured by the Learning and
Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI), VSI participants show positive gains at the
end of the academic term. Data studies of high school students who enroll in VSI
courses suggest that they earn higher mean final course grades than college
students who do not participate in VSI but enroll in the live section of the
same class.
Martin, D. C., DeBuhr, L., & Garland, M. (1987, January 4).
Developing
critical thinking skills of college students through Supplemental Instruction.
Paper presented at the Third International Conference on Thinking, Honolulu, HI.
The authors describe the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) for improving the
critical thinking skills of students. Some SI session activities help foster
improved thinking skills: modeling of thinking processes by the SI leader;
probing questions; redirective and higher levels of questioning; facilitating
student discussions of their thought processes; escalation of discussions from
concrete to abstract levels; and precise use of content vocabulary.
McGlone, F. D. (1994).
A training and
implementation program for first year student peer mentors. Unpublished
manuscript, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland,
Australia.
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Faculty of Law (Brisbane,
Australia) Supplemental Instruction (SI) program encouraged students to: develop
deep approaches to learning, develop generic learning skills, and increase
student autonomy while encouraging them to work and learn cooperatively with
others. The SI program operates in two classes: Torts and Contracts with class
sizes exceeding 350. In addition to improving academic performance of student
participants, the SI leaders reported enhanced communication and interpersonal
skills which they perceived to increase their job marketability.
Moore, I. (1992).
Undergraduate students as
assistant demonstrators in the first year physics laboratory. (Report No.
27). Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of Technology, School of
Physics, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia:
This paper describes the use of a modified Supplemental Instruction (SI) program
in the School of Physics at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane,
Australia). The pilot project used second and third year physics major students
as assistant demonstrators in the first year physics laboratory. In addition to
improvement by the students in the class, the assistant demonstrators also
showed improvements in their class performance. Through qualitative research, it
appears that the assistant demonstrators helped students to improve their own
learning process, focus on the process rather than rushing to complete the task,
and think of new issues and questions.
Murray, M. H. (1995).
Report on Peer Assisted
Study Sessions in Engineering Mechanics 2. Unpublished manuscript,
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This report discusses the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), the local
institutional term for the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program used at
Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) in CEB185,
Engineering Mechanics 2. PASS participants earned higher mean final course
grades (3.6 vs. 2.8 on a 0 to 7 scale). The most significant change in grades
was in improving the performance of students who previously were projected to
earn low grades and see them now achieve final grades in the mid range. PASS
participants mentioned the following reasons for attending the sessions: working
on past exam and test solutions; discussion of problems; being able to ask
questions freely and not look stupid; realizing there were different ways to
tackle a problem; and interaction with fellow students and leaders who had
recently done well in the course.
Murray, M. H., Grady, J., & Perrett, S. (1997).
Students managing students' learning. Paper presented at the 9th Annual
Conference of the Australian Association of Engineering Education, December
14-17, 1997.
This paper describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Queensland
University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia) in engineering classes
(Engineering Mechanics I and II). Student participant comments said that
participation in SI sessions: developed greater understanding, more helpful than
tutorials, made discussions more enjoyable, developed greater confidence,
enjoyed group work, and found the atmosphere more relaxed and helpful. SI
leaders mentioned the following benefits for themselves: reinforced own learning
and study skills, developed more confidence, made academic coursework more
challenging and satisfying.
Nel, P. P. C., Beylefeld, A. A., & Nel, M. M. (1997). Video-based Supplemental Instruction as an integral part of an academic support and development program. Unpublished manuscript, University of the Orange Free State at Bloemfontein, South Africa. Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) is being used at the University of the Orange Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa) for academic development and parallel-medium instruction. The paper provides an overview of the VSI program. A study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Morphology, Faculty of Medicine with nursing students enrolled for a course in this department. Many of these nursing students are from educationally deprived backgrounds. Data suggests that VSI participants performed at the same level, or higher, than students who do not come from an educationally deprived background.
Phillips, K. (1995).
Supplemental Instruction
in Australia. Unpublished manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas
City.
This report records the observations by a staff member from the National Center
for Supplemental Instruction (SI) located in Kansas City, MO during her
professional development leave in Australia in the first half of 1997. The
author records her observations concerning the SI programs operating at
Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Queensland, and the
University of Western Sydney-Nepean. Some of the adaptations of the SI model
frequently used with Australian higher education include: use of multiple SI
leaders in a single class, SI leaders work in pairs during SI sessions, and the
SI program is usually decentralized on campus. Often the course lecturer
selects, hires, trains, evaluates, and supervises the SI leader. This
administrative procedure encourages higher involvement of the lecturer in the SI
program. A drawback mentioned by the author is that this responsibility is added
due to heavy work demands placed upon the lecturer for other responsibilities.
There is continuing discussion with Australian educators regarding the strengths
and challenges with a decentralized SI administrative structure.
Rand, P. (1994).
Video Based Tutorial System
for first year nursing students. Unpublished manuscript, The University of
the Orange Free State, South Africa.
This paper describes the use of Video-based Supplemental Instruction (VSI) with
nursing students at the University of the Orange Free State in South Africa
during 1994. The VSI program was implemented to assist nursing students who were
severely academically underprepared. The author reports high satisfaction with
the program since low grades were decreased and higher grades were increased in
comparison with academic terms that did not have VSI offered.
Ross, T. (1995).
Report on Peer Assisted Study
Sessions conducted in visual arts, second semester 1995: AASB726, Introduction
to Art History. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of Technology,
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This report discusses the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), the local
institutional name for the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program with students
enrolled in an Introduction to Art History course (AAB726). For several reasons,
the grades of PASS and non-PASS students were nearly the same. The author
suggests that part of the difficulty for the PASS program was that the PASS
leaders did not attend class along with the other students. The course
curriculum had undergone a signficant change between when the PASS leaders
attended the same class and when they attempted to provide academic assistance
to the students. However, surveys found that PASS leaders found the experience
very helpful: improved interpersonal skills (100%); improved learning skills
(100%); developed facilitating skills (100%); and developed leadership skills
(100%).
Sandmann, B. J., & Kelly, B. K. W. (1979). Effect of Supplemental Instruction on student performance in a Pharmaceutics course. Unpublished manuscript, The University of Missouri-Kansas City. This investigation sought to determine if Supplemental Instruction (S) would effect student performance in a physical pharmacy course at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mean scores on pretest, quizzes, first, second, and final examinations for the two groups (SI and non-SI participants) were compared by conducting a t-test. While scores for the non-SI group remained relatively constant, the SI participant group's academic performance improved throughout the academic term.
Shores, P., & Tiernan, J. (1996).
Peer mentor
training: A collaborative exercise in systemic change. Unpublished
manuscript, University of Western Sydney at Nepean, New South Wales, Australia.
Available: Ms. Penny Shores, Counseling and Health Unit, University of Western
Sydney, Nepean, P. O. Box 10, Kingswood New South Wales 2747, Australia.
The Learning Center and the Counseling and Health Unit of the University of
Western Sydney (Nepean, Australia) have been piloting a Peer Mentor program that
is based on the American Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. The SI program
is being used an a tool for systemic intervention at the institution by creating
an environment for students to change their attitudes. The SI program is being
used to serve the increasingly diverse population at the university. Much of the
report centered on the training of the SI leaders. Some faculty members also
report using the SI program as a feed back mechanism to identify the
comprehension level of the students regarding the classroom lectures.
Spencer, C., & Loh, H. (1994).
Improving the
learning style of first year Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander nursing
students studying anatomy. Paper presented at the Conference of Science in
Nurse Education, Ballarat, Australia.
This report describes the use in 1994 of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
Queensland University of Technology (Australia) with first year Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) students. The local institutional name for the
program is Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). Many of these A&TSI students
began postsecondary education with high anxiety (79% student response), low to
medium confidence in passing their courses, limited knowledge of study skills,
and high to moderate difficulty levels within their respective subjects. Based
on qualitative research interviews with the A&TSI students, the majority
reported they were more confident in passing anatomy after attending the SI
sessions. Further, they reported that they were more motivated to perform better
and most felt that the SI sessions helped them in developing study skills as
their anxiety for the subject decreased.
Spencer, G. (1994).
Supplemental Instruction:
Adapt or die? Paper presented at the South African Association for Academic
Development Conference, University of Natal, Durban, Republic of South Africa.
This unpublished manuscript describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
at the University of Natal in South Africa. The SI model has been modified
increasing the curriculum development focus potential of the model. Academic
Development (AD) and Academic Support (AS)are seen as partners in improving
teaching and learning. If AD and AS are seen as opposite ends of the learning
continuum, SI is shifted toward the AD end of the continuum line in some South
African institutions. Several of the modifications of the SI model include that
the academic department: take ownership in administration of the SI program;
faculty members take additional time to work with the SI leaders; faculty
members recognize that changes need to be made regarding instructional delivery
and content selection; faculty members modify their course delivery based on
common themes of student comments; and key senior faculty members become highly
involved in the SI program an ensuring that curriculum develop occurs.
Stockly, S. K. (1996, March).
Closing the gap
in technical skills: Supplemental Instruction and Mexican-American undergraduate
women. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southwestern
Sociological Association, Houston, TX.
This quasi-experimental study in Spring 1994 examines the performance of Mexican
American women in an Introductory Economics course (Economics 302, Principals of
Macroeconomics) at the University of Texas at Austin. Supplemental Instruction
(SI) was offered as an academic enrichment program for students. SI
participation rates were higher for women than men and students of color when
compared with White students. The data suggest that SI participation had a
positive correlation with increased mean final course grades in all comparison
groups except Asian American women (White: men, 2.84 vs. 2.37 and women, 2.77
vs. 2.06; African American: men, 1.60 vs. 1.50 and women, 3.00 vs. 1.25; Asian
American: men, 3.20 vs. 2.46 and women, 2.78 vs. 3.00; Hispanic: men, 2.10 vs.
1.60 and women, 2.38 vs. 1.46; and all students: 2.68 vs. 2.19).
Tanaka, C. (1995).
Peer Assisted Study
Sessions in HUB 661 Japanese. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University
of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This research report documents the use of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at
Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) in HUB 661
Japanese language course. This course is often chosen as a second-semester,
first year subject for International Business students. PASS is the local
institutional name for the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. Benefits of
the PASS program for participants included slightly higher mean final course
grades and lower rates of withdrawal. The professor who had PASS attached to his
class reported receiving helpful feedback from the PASS leader concerning the
comprehension level of the students. This afforded them an opportunity to revise
lectures and review upcoming examinations. PASS leaders reported the following
behavioral changes: learned how to give feedback to the course lecturer in an
appropriate fashion; learned to work in harmony with other students and leaders;
improved their own communication skills; improved their content knowledge and
skill; and gained valuable insight into the learning process.
Tonsetic, R., & Warren, B. Z. (1997).
Assisting faculty and students in adjusting to large class environments.
Unpublished manuscript, The University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
This paper discusses the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at the University
of Central Florida (27,000 students) as one component in dealing with helping
faculty and students deal with large classes. In Spring 1997 39 classes had an
enrollment of 200 or more students. During Fall 1996 SI was provided for four
large class sections including a chemistry course for non-science majors. SI
participants earned a higher mean final course grade (3.39 vs. 1.72). When
adjusted for differences in SAT scores, the SI group still received higher
grades (2.54 vs. 1.71). The percent of A and B final course grades was higher
for the SI group (47% vs. 20%) as well as lower rates of D, F or course
withdrawals (18% vs. 56%). Positive results were also reported for the SI in
general biology and American national government. There were no significant
differences in the calculus course. While there was high satisfaction with the
SI participants, the grade differences were not significant. The authors suggest
that the SI sessions in math need modification for more effective use. In
addition, the authors administered several personality instruments for
additional research. The Student Behavior Checklist (Long, 1985) examined the
Long Reactive Personality Types with the SI participants and generated the
following results: aggressive-independent (16%); aggressive-dependent (48%);
passive-independent (8%); and passive-dependent (16%). Using the Long
Personality Traits instrument the following results were generated concerning
the SI participants: phobic (31%); compulsive (69%); impulsive (15%); and
hysteric (32%).
Van Lanen, R. J., & Lockie, N. M. (1992).
Addressing the challenge of student diversity: Impact of Supplemental
Instruction on performance in a freshman level chemistry course. Unpublished
manuscript, Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL.
The paper is based on the results of a pilot research study designed to
determine the effect of Supplemental Instruction (SI) attendance on the
performance and retention of a diverse student population in Chemistry 108 for
various levels of SI attendance and to determine relationships between
demographic and academic variables of the sample and participation in SI. The
sample consisted of Saint Xavier University (Chicago, IL) students enrolled in
Chemistry 108 (N=61) in Fall, 1990 and Spring, 1991. Significant differences in
performance in Chemistry for the SI group and the non-SI group, as measured by
final course grades, were observed when the SI group was defined as students
attending six or more SI sessions and the non-SI group was defined as students
attending five or fewer SI sessions. Both academic variables and the demographic
variables were compared for the SI group and for the non-SI group.
Wallace, J. (1993). The use of Supplemental Instruction in sub-degree vocational courses. London, England: Unpublished manuscript, Kingston University at Surrey, England. This report describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) with sub-degree vocational courses at Kingston University (London, UK). Kingston runs a number of sub-degree courses leading to the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electronic Engineering which is obtained from the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) through the university. In October, 1990 SI was introduced into several courses in the Faculty of Technology at Kingston. Data from 1990 to 1991 suggests that SI participants received statistically (p < .05) higher final course grades (Mathematics: 60.9 percentile vs. 48.1 percentile; Circuits & Systems: 64.0 vs. 49.9; Electronic Principles: 60.0 vs. 49.4; Software Principles: 55.3 vs. 41.5; and Management Studies: 69.4 vs. 53.5). and had lower rates of withdrawal. In addition, interviews with SI participants suggest that they also develop "transferable skills" that help them in other courses.
Watters, J. J., & Ginns, I. S. (1997).
Peer
assisted learning: Impact on self-efficacy and achievement. Paper presented
at the American Educational Research Association Conference, March 24-28, 1997,
Chicago, IL.
This paper describes the use of program modeled after Supplemental Instruction
(SI) in a teacher education course at Queensland University of Technology
(Brisbane, Australia). The institutional name for the program is Peer Assisted
Study Sessions (PASS). The class had 124 students enrolled in a course designed
for first-year Bachelor of Education students. Program outcomes were that SI
participants earned higher final course grades (4.88 vs. 4.15 on a scale of 0 to
7) and self-reported development regarding confidence and improved attitudes to
learning and science. There was a trend for higher grade achievement with higher
levels of attendance at the SI sessions. The SI leaders reported improved
confidence, facilitatory skills, and insight into adult education.
Webster, T., & Malloch, C. (1997).
Supplemental Instruction benefits students in a traditional and non-traditional
introductory physics course: A two semester study. Unpublished manuscript,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Available: Thomas Webster, The Advising and
Learning Assistance Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180.
After a review of the literature concerning physics education, this paper
describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute (Troy, NY). An introductory physics course (Physics 2) was studied
during Fall 1996 and Spring 1997. The fall course was taught in the traditional
method. The spring section of the course used the CUPLE Studio Physics Project
and was much smaller the fall course. Students who received a D or F on the
second exam were classified as "high-risk" and students who received a C on the
same exam were designated as "at-risk." Students who attended SI received
significantly (p < .01) higher mean final course grade (3.37 and 3.08 for the
traditional and non-traditional learning environments, respectively) than those
students who did not attend SI (3.09 and 2.44, respectively). Students who
attended SI received a significantly (p < .01) lower rate of D and F final
grades (1% and 5%, respectively) than the students who did not attend (8% and
37%, respectively). The data suggests that students who began to attend SI early
and frequently (at least 6 times throughout the semester) benefitted more than
SI than students who attended SI late in the semester or infrequently. Students
who were classified as at-risk or high-risk and attended SI earned higher grades
than their counterparts who did not attend SI sessions.
Whatman, S. (1995).
Peer assisted study
sessions with Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islander students during semester two,
1995. Unpublished manuscript, Queensland University of Technology at
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
This report describes the use in semester 2, 1995 of Peer Assisted Study
Sessions (PASS) at Queensland University of Technology (Australia) with first
year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) students who were attending
class at the Gardens Point Campus. PASS is the locally used name for
Supplemental Instruction (SI). A&TSI students had typically experienced
considerable difficulty in courses such as Information Technology and Business.
These courses historically had low Indigenous student enrollments, and
consequently, had very few successful graduates. Eight courses were selected for
PASS support: Computer Applications, Software Development 1 & 2, Technology of
Information Systems, Business Communication & Application Development,
Theoretical Perspectives on Communication, Microeconomics, and Reporting
Principles. Before introduction of the PASS program in the second semester, the
A&TSI students as a group earned fairly low grades. At the end of the semester
with PASS support, the students earned higher final course grades. PASS leaders
reported the following benefits for themselves: more opportunity to talk with
faculty members, greater understanding of course content which helped in other
classes, and developed friendships with more students that they would normally
would have not met.
Zerger, S. (1990).
Supplemental Instruction:
Learning through modeling. Unpublished manuscript, Bethel College at North
Newton, KS.
This unpublished manuscript describes the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI)
to improve student learning. The paper focuses on explaining how learning occurs
in SI, using the social learning theory described in Bandura to do so. According
to Bandura, humans can and do learn most things through watching others. This
capacity to learn by observation enables humans to acquire large integrated
patterns more quickly than if they had to learn all via direct trial and error.
Section Nine: Internet Resources
Painter, S. (Ed.). (2006).
Internet homepage
for the International Center for Supplemental Instruction [On-line].
This Internet homepage maintained by the International Center for Supplemental
Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City provides a central
location for information about SI. Some of the menu items include: overview of
SI; links to homepages of SI leaders at UMKC; information about upcoming SI
Supervisor training trainings; instructions on how to subscribe to the SI
listserv discussion group; SI materials for sale; directory of known SI
homepages from other colleges around the world; and a directory of SI-related
documents.
Painter, S. (Moderator).
Supplemental
Instruction Internet computer discussion listserv [On-line]. Kansas City,
MO: The University of Missouri-Kansas, Center for Supplemental Instruction.
This moderated computer discussion listserv is provided by the International
Center for Supplemental Instruction (SI). Discussion topics include: customizing
SI for different content areas; strategies to increase SI attendance; methods to
conduct qualitative and quantitative research; and other topics. Subscription to
the listserv and is free to anyone, regardless of whether they have an active SI
program or not. SI Leaders as well as SI Supervisors are especially invited to
join the list. Approximately 250 persons from several countries are members of
the listserv. To subscribe to the listserv, follow this
link.
Section Ten: Newspaper
and Other Media Coverage
Akao, S. E. (1996). Book review of Supplemental
Instruction: Increasing achievement and retention.
Journal of College Student
Personnel, 37(3), 360
This is a book review of the monograph Supplemental Instruction: Increasing
achievement and retention (Martin
and Arendale, Editors, 1994). The book review provides a short summary of each
of the monograph's chapters.
Associated Press. (1988, October 4). Dayton
program 'grade A'. University of Dayton Newspaper, Dayton, OH, p. 8
This newspaper article provides an interview with Jim Melko, director of the
University of Dayton (OH) concerning the use of Supplemental Instruction (SI) at
the institution in the economics department with the microeconomics course. The
course has been historically difficult for students due to the demand for higher
order thi