The Benefits of
Supplemental
Instruction for Students
and SI leaders
By: Guadalupe Miralrio
Regular University Class
•Expectations of students from the
classes
•How do students handle these
expectations/responsibilities?
• Depends on the students
University
Classes With SIT
• Also have the
same
expectations
• How do the
students react to
SIT?
So how is SIT beneficial to Students?
• Formation of study groups
• focus on key points
• Test reviews
• Extra hour of study time/making up time
to study
• Questions can get answered
• Easy way to get 10% of grade
• One-on-one tutoring
• Learn different studying techniques
• Students can test themselves on how much
they actually know
• Job opportunity
• Get help with class materials
• Counseling/advice from coordinator
Former Student’s Perspectives
Destiny Uzaka-Chemistry 1013: “SIT benefitted me greatly because I practiced chemistry
problems repeatedly and read over the material a lot. When it comes to science and math, I
have to practice as much as I can. If it wasn’t for SIT, then I wouldn’t have gotten an A in
both lab and lecture.”
Christina Jones-Chemistry 1013: ”It helped me because I was able to work one- on -one with
a SIT tutor to understand fully a certain topic since everyone learns differently.”
Jamie Zhao-Microbiology 1003: “SIT benefited me greatly, with SIT I made a 104, without
SIT I almost failed micro the first time. Second time when I had micro SIT, I made an A. So I
guess the moral of the story is practice makes perfect and tutoring DOES help.”
Asmait Solomon-Microbiology 1003: SIT was beneficial because it was former students who
taught it. It was helpful because they gave us study skills that used to help them pass the
class. Also, the reviews we had in tutoring were helpful as well.”
Benefits of a Course Assistant: Professional
level
• Time management
• Planning activities
• Increased understanding of course
material
• Improvement in note-taking skills and
studying strategies
• Improved communication and
relationship skills
• Enhanced interaction with faculty,
students, and other SI leaders
• Enhanced professional development
• (Stout and Mcdaniel)
Benefits of a Course Assistant:
Personal Level
• Pushes you out of your comfort zone
• Patience
• Helps you put yourself in someone
else’s shoes
• become aware of your weaknesses and
strengths
• interaction with students of different
cultures
• Develop a friendship with some of the
students
• Learn to understand and LISTEN to
others
• feeling of satisfaction and joyfulness
What Can We Do as Students and Course
Assistants?
• Take advantage of these
benefits!
• Allow ourselves to learn
• Apply some of these
benefits to other classes
and later on to our careers
• Allow ourselves to open
up to these benefits
But Most Importantly….
Spread the
word!!!
References:
Congos, Dennis H and Ana Mack. 2005. “Supplemental Instruction's Impact in Two
Freshman Chemistry Classes: Research, Modes of Operation, and Anecdotes. Research
& Teaching in Developmental Education, 21(2):43-64.
Stout, M. Lisa and Amelia J. McDaniel. 2006. “Benefits
to Supplemental Instruction Leaders.” New Directions for Teaching & Learning, (106):5562.