Working paper series: Synergizing Education

Synergizing education: Supplemental Instruction in a blended learning context

Authors

Posted December, 2015

Kyle R. Kennelly

SaVonnah M. Osmanski

Professor Richard J. Szal
NAU-FCB

Abstract

SI programs, which have been used in colleges and universities since the 1970’s, are viewed as a cost-effective method of delivering peer-assisted instruction to students in courses deemed due to high failure and drop rates. Many analyses have been conducted to determine the efficacy of these programs in improving student involvement and grades in the courses and in reducing drop rates and retention. Northern Arizona University is involved in the transformation of many lower-division classes to a blended learning format to more efficiently use teaching staff and classroom space. As such, the use of SI programs using student instructors takes on added importance. The results indicate that SI sessions have a larger positive effect on performance than either time spent on homework assignments or lecture attendance. For every SI session attended a student’s grade improves by 0.73 points on a 100 point scale.