What is SI? A peer-facilitated academic support program A peer-facilitated academic support program Not tutoring! Not tutoring! Models successful students’ strategies Models successful students’ strategies SI video:

The SI program quick facts SI does not identify high-risk students but identifies historically difficult classes SI does not identify high-risk students but identifies historically difficult classes SI sessions occur in a classroom near the course classroom instead of a tutoring center SI sessions occur in a classroom near the course classroom instead of a tutoring center SI leaders are students who have demonstrated competence in the course SI leaders are students who have demonstrated competence in the course

SI quick facts continued SI is not remedial SI is not remedial SI leaders are trained in instructional strategies, data collection, and management details SI leaders are trained in instructional strategies, data collection, and management details SI leaders attend class, take notes, read all materials, and run sessions SI leaders attend class, take notes, read all materials, and run sessions Students who attend SI sessions discover study strategies and earn higher grades Students who attend SI sessions discover study strategies and earn higher grades

Theoretical Framework for SI Behavioral learning theory (Watson, Skinner, Bandura, Herbart) –behavior is based on positive reinforcement of desired behavior, tasks into parts, cause/effect, modeling Behavioral learning theory (Watson, Skinner, Bandura, Herbart) –behavior is based on positive reinforcement of desired behavior, tasks into parts, cause/effect, modeling Cognitive Development theory (Piaget, Bruner, Flower & Hayes)—mental structures develop gradually, use prior knowledge, social interaction causes conflict that stimulates cognitive development. Cognitive Development theory (Piaget, Bruner, Flower & Hayes)—mental structures develop gradually, use prior knowledge, social interaction causes conflict that stimulates cognitive development.

Theory cont. Social Interdependence (Geertz, Bakhtin, Doyle, Erickson)—knowledge is actively built by learners, working together cooperatively; knowledge is produced, not distributed; learners in collaboration today and independent tomorrow Social Interdependence (Geertz, Bakhtin, Doyle, Erickson)—knowledge is actively built by learners, working together cooperatively; knowledge is produced, not distributed; learners in collaboration today and independent tomorrow Interpretive/Critical Theory (Freire, Apple, Kozol)—good pedagogy empowers learner to take control of his/her own learning!, education’s goal is freedom not domination; overcome the ‘culture of silence’ Interpretive/Critical Theory (Freire, Apple, Kozol)—good pedagogy empowers learner to take control of his/her own learning!, education’s goal is freedom not domination; overcome the ‘culture of silence’

What’s in it for students? Model student shares note-taking, test- taking, content mastery strategies Model student shares note-taking, test- taking, content mastery strategies Pair/share model Pair/share model Efficient use of study time Efficient use of study time Flexible, not mandatory Flexible, not mandatory

Why do SI? Great success rates! 14-17% increase in ABC grades! (or more) Great success rates! 14-17% increase in ABC grades! (or more) Used all over the world Used all over the world Visit for more information…data and discussions Visit for more information…data and discussionshttp://

Why be an SI leader? Tuition reimbursement or co-op credit if applicable for major; honors possible as well Tuition reimbursement or co-op credit if applicable for major; honors possible as well Great experience working with people and gaining critical thinking skills Great experience working with people and gaining critical thinking skills Gain additional knowledge of course material Gain additional knowledge of course material Interaction with faculty and SI coordinator Interaction with faculty and SI coordinator

The SI leader …. Models/discusses study and test-taking strategies Models/discusses study and test-taking strategies Sits at various places in class and get to know the students! Sits at various places in class and get to know the students! Works: hours week : 3 hours in class, 3 hours prep/tracking, 4 hours SI sessions. Works: hours week : 3 hours in class, 3 hours prep/tracking, 4 hours SI sessions. Visits CSS (ORI 102) classes to promote SI Visits CSS (ORI 102) classes to promote SI

What else does the SI leader do? Distribute reminders in classes periodically Distribute reminders in classes periodically Provide professor and class with means of test scores for SI/non-SI users Provide professor and class with means of test scores for SI/non-SI users Report the # of exam questions covered during the SI sessions Report the # of exam questions covered during the SI sessions Use old tests (if permissible by professor) to model questions/create new ones in SI session Use old tests (if permissible by professor) to model questions/create new ones in SI session

SI Motto Tell me, and I forget Show me, and I remember, Involve me, and I understand. A Chinese Proverb