The potential of supplemental instruction in engineering education: creating additional peer-guided learning opportunities in difficult compulsory courses for first-year students |
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Authors: | Joakim Malm Leif Bryngfors Lise-Lotte Mörner |
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Institution: | Faculty of Engineering, Centre for Supplemental Instruction, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, S-22100 Lund, Sweden |
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Abstract: | Supplemental Instruction (SI) can be an efficient way of improving student success in difficult courses. Here, a study is made on SI attached to difficult first-year engineering courses. The results show that both the percentage of students passing a difficult first-year engineering course, and scores on the course exams are considerably higher for students attending SI, compared to students not attending. The study also shows that a higher percentage of female students attend SI, compared to male students. However, both genders seem to benefit to the same degree as a result of attending SI meetings. Also all students, independent of prior academic ability, benefit from attending SI. A qualitative study suggests that SI meetings provide elements important for understanding course material, which are missing from other scheduled learning opportunities in the courses. |
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Keywords: | supplemental instruction peer learning engineering education |
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