The Student Assistant (SA) and Supplemental Instruction (SI) programs are academic support systems designed to increase retention and academic success rates. Each program embeds tutors in the classroom (remotely or on ground) to provide individualized attention and assistance for students during class. Under the direction of the instructor, SAs/SIs are actively involved in the classroom, provide tutoring and learning support, and facilitate the development of study skills. Tutors help to motivate student participation and engagement in the classroom or lab as well as help to provide additional support for students during activities. The tutor works in the classroom/lab under the instructor’s guidance to help students understand course concepts.
In the classroom, the SA/SI will function as:
- a peer tutor, providing support to students as they work with the class content and course materials
- a model student, demonstrating effective student behaviors, successful academic habits, and strong classroom participation
- a mentor, helping students make connections with other campus support services for additional help outside of class
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a paid, two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation:
- Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023: ENG SA Orientation (time TBD)
- Thursday, Jan 12, 2023: Math SI and ESL SA Orientation (times TBD)
- Attend a paid mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
Faculty Best Practices
- Make the tutor feel welcome and informed. A quick introduction addressed to the tutor would be great. Feel comfortable in explaining to the tutor how you want him or her to interact with your students, whether online or in person.
- Provide the tutor with a copy of your syllabus and other necessary books/handouts and/or add them to your Canvas Course.
- Include the tutor’s name and schedule in your syllabus, if conducting out of class tutoring opportunities.
- Give the tutor regular guidance as to what you expect him or her to help with.
- Use the tutor to join the class in learning activities. SAs/SIs can work with individuals or small groups on targeted activities, including going over an assignment, reviewing a key lesson or skill, conferencing, participating in workshops, and preparing for exams.
- Adjust your way of teaching so that having the tutor around can greatly contribute to your students’ performance as well as their persistence.
- Promote a togetherness concept and get excited about you two as a team working in collegial agreement.
- Adopt a realistic “no blame” policy, realize that the best training tutors can get is in the classroom, and prepare for the role of an occasional pedagogical and subject matter trainer.
- Offer your email address to the tutor so that he or she can email you if there is a need.
Note: SAs/SIs cannot grade papers, create lecture content, or run class sessions in an instructor’s absence.
After reviewing the above Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- For Math and English faculty, recruit an SA/SI for your class(es). Please communicate with your desired student prior to proceeding to the next step. For ESL faculty, you may recruit an SA or request that one be assigned to you.
- Complete the request form once the SA/SI request period opens:
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from Tutoring Services.
SA/SI Program Information
CRC's English Student Assistant (SA) Program won the 2019-2020 ASCCC Exemplary Program Award for Student Support Services.
Currently the English SA Program provides academic support in the following courses:
- ENGWR 300
- ENGWR 80/300
- ENGRD 310
What Can an Embedded Tutor Do?
- Attend each class session
- Assist students with the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising
- Answer questions regarding lecture and class material, learning skills, Canvas course site, due dates, and course requirements
- Provide essay feedback
- Facilitate small group activities or online discussion threads
- Work with the instructor regarding students that have missed class, who have not accessed class material, or who are at-risk
What Can an Embedded Tutor Not Do?
- Create lecture content or materials to be used during instruction
- Grading of any kind. This responsibility is solely with the faculty member (no exceptions).
- Enforce class management/discipline
- Do homework for the students
Notes to Faculty Interested in an English SA
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Recruit an SA for your class(es). Please communicate with your desired student prior to proceeding to the next step.
- Complete the Request an English Student Assistant form once the SA request period is open. (Only faculty may submit the request.)
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact the English Faculty Coordinator, Erica Reeves at reevese@crc.losrios.edu.
The Math Supplemental Instruction (SI) program provides academic support to students enrolled in courses that include lab or corequisite components - currently Math 300, Math 333, Math 341, and Stat 300. SI supported classrooms utilize an embedded peer tutor who is available to help foster a collaborative and engaging environment that facilitates learning. The tutor is a resource for students to help achieve their academic goals.
What Makes the SI Program Different?
SI distinguishes itself by:
- Targeting courses with labs or corequisites to support student learning in the classroom
- Offering support for courses that have a high percentage of first-time college students
- Providing proactive student support focusing on collaborative learning and study strategies
- Utilizing SI tutors who have demonstrated successful course completion, are well trained, and model exceptional learning behaviors - use of textbooks, lecture notes, reading materials, and other study skills
- Contributing to student success by providing extra resources for students who need it most
Notes to Faculty Interested in a Math SI Tutor
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Recruit an SI tutor for your class(es). Please communicate with your desired student tutor prior to proceeding to the next step.
- Complete the Request a Math Supplemental Instruction (SI) form once the SI request period is open.
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact Math SI Coordinators Matthew Rodrigues at rodrigm@crc.losrios.edu or Loi Nguyen at nguyenl@crc.losrios.edu.
Currently Student Assistants (SAs) are available in all English Second Language courses. SAs are available outside of class time for drop-in tutoring hours as well.
What Can an Embedded ESL Tutor Do?
- Attend between two and four class sessions each week
- Answer questions regarding lecture and class material, learning skills, Canvas course site, due dates, and course requirements
- Assist with the maintenance of ongoing online discussion threads and feedback
- Facilitate small group exercises or discussions
- Assist students in the writing process: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising
- Serve as a role model by sharing experiences and tips for success in college classes
- Work with the instructor regarding students who have missed class, who have not accessed class material, or who are at-risk
What Can an Embedded ESL Tutor Not Do?
- Create lecture content, quizzes/exams, or materials to be used during instruction
- Grade — this responsibility solely belongs to the faculty member and cannot be transferred
- Enforce class management/discipline
- Do homework for the students
Notes to Faculty Interested in an ESL SA
Program Requirements for Faculty Participation
In order for us to continue to improve our student impact through the SI/SA programs, we are asking each participating faculty to:
- Attend a two-hour orientation during the week of Convocation
- Attend a mid-semester meeting (to be coordinated by each program's Faculty Coordinator[s])
- Participate in an end-of-semester survey
After reviewing the Faculty Best Practices, here are your next steps:
- Complete the Request an ESL Student Assistant form once the SA request period is open.
- Be on the lookout for correspondence from someone from Tutoring Services.
For more information, please contact the ESL Faculty Coordinator, Jennifer Francisco at francij@crc.losrios.edu.