A Different Approach to Traditional Tutoring: Supplemental Instructors
by Charlotte Peak
Success is built on several elements, and leadership is one of them. It’s what makes people rise to the top, and success is all around Cape Cod Community College (4C’s).
4C’s provides many opportunities for students to broaden their horizons; Faith Unwin, dual-enrolled student, is a perfect example of this. Unwin has become a part of the 4C’s Tutoring Center as a Supplemental instructor (SI) leader.
“The SI Leader is a role model and someone students see as a peer who has taken the course before and succeeded.” Says Christine Cogswell, coordinator of the SI program, “The student can look at the SI Leader and think, ``I can also be successful in this course by using the SI Leader’s study strategies”
Cogswell believes that there are immense benefits to SI leaders, especially because they have had experience with specific instructors. Since they previously worked through the course, SI’s know how to aid the peer they are helping and can give some insight. Not only does the SI program help students be successful in their classes, but it also provides a chance to make a friend.
Christine Cogswell
“Students feel at ease with the SI Leader because he/she is a peer.” Says Cogswell, “The students see the SI Leader as a friend and someone they can feel comfortable asking a question. In some ways, it is less intimidating than going to the instructor. The SI program is especially beneficial for a community college student who may be unable to connect with other students as much as they would like.”
Unwin started this program after being contacted by Cogswell. Her fall 2020 statistics professor requested Unwin to be an SI for her class because of her great success.
“I love doing this work because I get to see all the different ways people learn.” Unwin says, “Everyone learns differently and by tutoring, I learn different ways too. I’ve learned studying techniques I had never heard of, different writing techniques, and so much more.”
Faith Unwin
Unwin is grateful for all she has experienced through the SI program. “It has shown me many different styles of teaching and how to get people interested and engaged in what you are talking about.” says Unwin.
It can be difficult for students to reach out for help when they are struggling, fearing that they might be judged. That being said, the SI program provides this help, judgment free and with no out-of-pocket cost. If interested in becoming an SI leader, or getting help from one, contact Christine Cogswell at ccogswell@capecod.edu.
Categories: Featured, Student Life