SI sessions offer extra support for struggling students


2_si
Houghton Lake senior Jim Dunn speaks with the Bio 208 class about his SI's Sessions study exam April 2 in the Dow Science Complex.

Students who attend free supplemental instructional sessions receive on average one-half to one full letter grade higher.

St. Johns freshman Meghan Murphy attended SI sessions for BIO: 110. During her struggles with biology, she joined her fellow classmates to better understand the material.

“(My instructor) took a new perspective on the material and it was more hands-on than it was in class” Murphy said.

Practice quizzes provided in SI allowed her to preform better than she would have without them, Murphy said. She was also able to make connections with people in her class so she could study with others.

“I probably wouldn’t have been able to pass the class without SI, or I wouldn’t have done as well as I hoped without the SI session,” Murphy said.

Amy Swaney, professor of ACT: 250, said her class is required for those who intend to be a part of the business program. It can be quite difficult for those who do not have an accounting major, she said.

"It is an area or is a class where there are students who really do struggle and need some individual attention or need some extra guidance or extra help in order to be successful," Sweeney said.

Howell freshman Josh Harrison regularly participated in MTH: 105 sessions. Because of his struggles in math, Harrison needed something to better his understanding.

“These sessions have really helped me. It’s nice to get it from a different point of view or a different perspective,” Harrison said.

When Harrison had trouble understanding the teacher’s presentation, he found SI leaders made it easier for him.

“SI sessions have been very helpful. I’d probably be failing the class if it weren’t for SI. I have a B in my math class right now because of the extra help that SI has provided for me," Harrison said. 

Jim Dunn, the BIO 208 and 101 leader, has spent four semesters as a SI leader. Though SI mainly helps academics, Dunn also perceives it as an opportunity to connect with his students.

“I really enjoy building connections with students on a more personal level. They come because they want help with the class, but often times I end up helping with scheduling for classes or picking a major. I just really get to know them well, and that’s the most rewarding part,” Dunn said.

After observing data obtained from SI classes, Dunn maintains one conclusion.

“Students who regularly attend SI sessions before their exam do about 10 percent better than the class average. I’m a firm believer that coming to SI regularly can really help you do a lot better in class if you’re struggling.” 

 

Share: