Supplemental Instruction program certified

The University's Supplemental Instruction program recently earned international certification for its peer training programs by the College Reading and Learning Association.

Supplemental Instruction is an academic support service that utilizes peer leaders to facility group study sessions, said coordinator Lisa Peden, who developed the training protocol and supervises the SI leaders. Also known as PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions), supplemental instruction targets historically difficult courses — particularly those in the University Core Curriculum.

There are currently 12 to 18 supplemental instruction leaders providing assistance in 14 to 18 courses, Peden said. During spring 2007, there were 18 supplemental instruction leaders in 18 courses who assisted 779 students through their study sessions, she said.

The supplemental instruction leaders sit in on the target classes, and offer at least two study sessions per week. The study sessions are free, and open to any student enrolled in the targeted course.

The instruction leaders participate in mandatory training where they gain skills in group facilitation, interpersonal communication, individual learning styles and generic study skills, Peden said. Previously known as tutors, academic coaches work individually with students who wish to improve academically — either by improving study skills, or increasing their understanding of the course content.

The Supplemental Instruction program is in the division of SIUC's Student Affairs. Larry H. Dietz, SIUC's vice chancellor for student affairs, brought the program to campus in 2001 as a retention initiative, Peden said.

According to the College Reading and Learning Association, since March 1989, more than 1,000 college and university tutorial programs in the United States and Canada and received tutor training and certification through the organization's International Tutor Program Certification.

For more information on the program, contact Peden at 618/453-2422 or by email.