Jacksonville (AL) – The JSU press department shared with Brett Buckner that the JSU Supplemental Instruction (SI), program was recently accredited by the International Center for Supplemental Instruction.
Debra James, Director Academic Support and Success, said that “this is a major achievement for both the university and Student Success Center.” Although SI is still a small program, we plan to expand each semester.
SI is housed in JSU’s Student Success Center. It aims to improve student grades and increase graduation rates by increasing retention in historically difficult courses. This program is for all students in that course and not just those who are academically struggling.
SI leaders are trained to attend classes and organize out-of-class sessions for students. These leaders facilitate sessions that are based on collaborative learning methods.
JSU currently offers 19 SI-supported courses, including math, computer science and biology, accounting, economics, and applied engineering.
James stated that SI is a voluntary and free service and that students from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Alysia, the SI coordinator at Student Success Center initiated the accreditation process in June. The program was approved in November. She submitted information about SI sessions, attendance numbers, lesson plans by SI leaders, and average course grades for SI participants and non-participants as part of the accreditation process.
James stated that students who attend SI sessions regularly are more likely to earn higher grades than those who don’t. They also acquire study skills that they can use in other courses.
JSU Careers invites students interested in being SI leaders to apply. James stated that “We are always looking for outstanding students who are willing and able to teach others how to learn.” SI leaders must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and must have received at least a B in the targeted course. They also need to submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member.
Alysia Pace, alpace@jsu.edu is available to faculty members who are interested in SI in their courses.
