Rock Valley College has a new avenue in assisting at-risk students in gateway courses for CTE pathways. The Supplemental Instruction Program trains students who successfully completed a CTE gateway class to facilitate collaborative study sessions. The SI Program’s non-remedial approach to learning guides students toward completion by combining “What to Learn” with “How to Learn.” Through peer-led group study sessions outside of class, the SI Leader guides students through the most difficult course concepts. Students engage in collaborative group activities that enhance their knowledge of the course content.
Not only are current RVC students benefiting from a free and fun alternative to traditional learning but the RVC SI Leaders are also learning important leadership skills and improving their professional writing abilities. The Supplemental Instruction Program at RVC is a “Win-Win” situation for both the SI Students and the SI Leaders.
Rock Valley College has just completed a third semester of the Supplemental Instruction Program. The SI Program at RVC has been very successful and shows an increase in retention of students in Fall 2019 who attended an SI session in Spring 2019.