Kendall Kobe
“Everyone learns in a different way. It’s a matter of working with each student and seeing what benefits them the most. Sometimes, students just need that extra push to show they can do it.”
Kendall Kobe served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader for NIU’s Huskie Academic Success Center (HASC) for two years, prior to graduating in May.
SI is a peer-led academic assistance program designed to help students succeed in challenging courses and improve retention rates, while building community within the student population. SI leaders have completed and excelled in these courses. In this role, they collaborate with faculty members to organize and provide additional group-based study sessions to help students gain a deeper knowledge of the course material.
“They may come in being a little frustrated, but it’s a really good feeling to see when they leave a little bit happier and with more understanding about the course,” Kobe said.
Matt Mattox
HASC director Matt Mattox coordinates the SI program, along with additional services to help students succeed, at NIU.
“This program develops and enhances strategies and study skills needed to be an independent student,” Mattox said. “SI guides students and gives them confidence and sustainable skills for their own success.”
Mattox acknowledges some students may initially be hesitant to work with fellow students on a class they are struggling with but offers insights on why it is beneficial to do so.
“SI leaders are recommended by faculty members, and they create engaging sessions to encourage active, collaborative learning in a student-led environment,” Mattox said. “These are high caliber individuals who have been where you are before, and who can help you get through it.”
Christina Cline
Christina Cline, instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences, enjoys working with SI leaders. As part of the role, these individuals attend the current classes their students are taking, and Cline has seen the benefits for students who take advantage of working with their peers to get additional support.
“SI opens up a fantastic opportunity for students and shows them, although a course might be challenging, success is possible,” Cline said. “Most of the students coming into a class like BIOS 357 simply need a little boost in learning new study strategies and how to juggle large amounts of content. I offer lots of suggestions, but students from previous semesters often have a better perspective on what is helpful.”
Check out the full story in NIU Today.
