By Qiaoying Joy Zhou, PhD
Department Chair/Professor
NVC Math and Engineering Department
Northwest Vista College’s Math faculty (Dr. Mary Zocchi and Mr. Robert Carrillo) and Math Lab Supervisor (Ms. Debbie Rosenthal) recently attended a Regional SI (Supplemental Instruction) Supervisor Training in San Marcos.
Mary reported that this intensive two-day workshop presented by The International Center for Supplemental Instruction, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, was to certify more faculty as Accredited SI Supervisors. Attendees included other Alamo Colleges as well as surrounding colleges. With this training, NVC faculty will be able to work in tandem with the NVC English department faculty/staff who are already accredited SI Supervisors, to help our Developmental Education and Co-Requisite Students succeed in Mathematics and English. This is not a special tutoring application, but a holistic learning model to support non-college level-ready students.
Robert noted that the SI conference in San Marcos was very informative. “After attending, I believe I can add more structure to the SI program to better serve our co-requisite math courses at NVC.”
The SI program utilizes students who have taken a co-req/high-risk course and allows them to help fellow students who are currently enrolled in these courses. The SI can share their experience with the students and help guide them to be successful at learning the course content. The best part is that it is a student-to-student interaction that builds leadership skills for the SI, and also builds confidence in a student’s potential to learn.
Mary further interpreted the responsibility of the SI position. A student SI is assigned to one instructor. They attend class and support students as needed during class time, such as how to use the calculator correctly. Outside of class, the student SI holds learning sessions to help students become more self-sufficient learners. One-on-one tutoring happens in the current NVC Math and English labs. In the SI sessions, there are collaborative learning activities to help students apply what they learned in class, or clarify information learned in class by being directed to resources. It is a magnificent way to get students involved in a paid position to help fellow students succeed, as well as build their personal confidence and job experience.
To enrich the learning experience at NVC, the NVC Math & Engineering department is looking to hire 10 Supplemental Instructors for the summer and fall semesters. If you have a student that you think is perfect for the position, then have them email Robert at rcarrillo40@alamo.edu
Thanks to the NVC’s Vice President of Academic Services area and the Alamo Colleges District Office in supporting this unique opportunity for faculty and staff. We are excited to provide the SI Tutor positions for our students to support our Development education and Co-Requisite students of their success in their educational journey at NVC.