(271) An Evaluation of Supplemental Instruction and Individual Learning Strategy Sessions on Student Grades and Retention

Objective : Does supplemental instruction (SI) provided by student peers have an impact on student success in our program?

Methods: Data was collected for the academic year of 2021-22 and 2022-23 from the University’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) to evaluate if small group supplemental instruction (SI) provided by student peers had an impact on end of semester course grade and overall retention in our program. The number of SI hours that a student participated in and course grade were evaluated. We also compared individual learning strategy sessions students may have attended with a CAE learning coach to overall student grade point average (GPA).

Results: Comparison of student participation in SI and course GPA across three semesters (Fall 21, Spring 22, and Fall 22) provided 288 data points that were analyzed. Students who participated in less than 5 hours of SI per course (n=46) averaged a course GPA of 2.61, while students who participated in 30 or more hours of SI per course (n=30) averaged a course GPA of 3.50. Overall, on average students participated in 14.31 hours of SI per course and received an average course GPA of 3.00. Spring 2023 SI data and data on individual learning strategy sessions will be provided on the poster.

Conclusions: Data suggest that the greater the number of SI hours students attend the better their course grade.