An innovative peer support program at the University of Alabama has shown early success in enhancing student learning outcomes. The program, organized by the Capstone Center for Student Success, involves student leaders embedded in various sections of Biology and Chemistry courses to provide tutoring and academic coaching to their peers. These student leaders, like sophomore psychology major Anna Barkey, play a crucial role in assisting fellow students in understanding course material and navigating academic challenges.
Barkey, along with 22 other student leaders, actively participates in class sessions, guiding students on effective note-taking strategies and building a better rapport with instructors. This initiative aims to address high attrition rates in challenging courses and improve student success rates, particularly among freshmen and sophomores who may feel overwhelmed by the coursework.
The supplemental instruction program not only offers peer tutoring but also incorporates coaching sessions through the Capstone Center for Student Success to help students grasp and retain information more effectively. The program is open to all University of Alabama students, with a focus on enhancing academic performance and reducing drop-out rates.
According to Jennifer Roth-Burnette, the program has shown promising results, with increased attendance in supplemental instruction sessions correlating with improved midterm grades. The peer-to-peer structure of the program, coupled with the dedication of student leaders, has been instrumental in its success. Peer leaders have gone the extra mile by initiating text chats and offering additional support outside of regular class hours.
Students interested in becoming peer leaders undergo rigorous training and must have excelled in the course they will be tutoring. Malik Cooper, a junior majoring in public health, highlights the benefits of being both a peer coach and a student receiving supplemental instruction, emphasizing the mutual learning experience and skill development.
While the program was initially rolled out in the College of Arts and Sciences, there are plans to expand it to other colleges within the university. The team behind the initiative is working towards introducing supplemental instruction in accounting and math courses, responding to the growing demand for peer-to-peer tutoring across various disciplines.
As the program continues to evolve, the University of Alabama aims to enhance student support services and foster a culture of academic collaboration and success. Through initiatives like the supplemental instruction program, students are not only receiving academic assistance but also developing essential skills to excel in their future coursework and support their peers in their academic journey.
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