New program starting to help students succeed in classroom

Knowing that many students struggle in school and need extra help, the Title III department at Pratt Community College is starting a Supplemental Instruction program.
“Supplemental Instruction is a more hands-on tutoring program,” said Emma Shrack, Supplemental Instruction Coordinator. “It is led by students who have taken the class and are sitting in the classroom with the students.”
Many students may work with one Supplemental Instruction leader. After the class the leader and students will meet weekly to go over what they have learned in the classroom and discuss any concerns the students are having.
 
The program will start this summer with an intermediate algebra class, taught by Mike Jackson every Monday through Friday from May 30 to June 27 at 8 a.m.
 
“We decided to start with intermediate algebra because it has a very low pass rate and a lot of students struggle with it,” Shrack said.
 
Shrack said the Supplemental Instruction program won’t take the place of tutors, the PASS program or students going to the instructor if they need to.
 
“Having the students meet weekly helps them to build study skills as well as learn the material better,” she said. “They still may need to take advantage of these other programs to be successful in the classroom between meetings with the leader.”
 
Next fall the hope is to have the option for students to take advantage of supplemental instruction in a few more classes, including college algebra.
 
SI leaders are students at PCC that have previously taken the class and received a grade equivalent or above a 3.0.
 
“SI programs are in place in many colleges and universities across the country and show an increase in student’s final grade compared to students that choose not to participate,” Shrack said. “The SI program should be attended by all students, not only students that are struggling. It increases the student to student contact and teaches the students to help each other succeed. SI leads to better study skills, better grades, and better communication between students and other students as well as instructors.”
 
If a student is interested in being a leader or being involved in the program, they should contact Shrack at 620.450.2280 or at emmas@prattcc.edu.