University of Michigan-Flint

Faculty Name:  Johnny Young

Department:  Student Affairs

Campus Address:  264 University Center

Email:  jyung@umflint.edu

Phone:  810-762-3495

Project Description:  The Academic Enrichment Center, established in 1991, provides free tutorial services and other academic support services to the diverse UM-Flint student population. At the core of these services are tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. Tutoring is offered in a wide variety of subjects across the academic units. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a support program which provides students with targeted group study sessions tailored to the specific needs of class. The heart of the SI program involves the SI leader, a trained UM-Flint student, who has been chosen by the faculty. SI leaders attend all class sessions, complete all assigned readings, and facilitate weekly 50-minute sessions that provide students with a greater insight into the material presented in class. SI Leaders also help students’ master content-oriented material while improving study skills and test-taking strategies. This project will involve developing methodologies to assess the effect of one-on-one and/or group tutoring, on student performance on specific assignments and examinations, and the effect of Supplemental Instruction on course grade outcomes.

Semesters Desired:  Fall 2011 ONLY

GSRA Position Description:  The GRSA would assist in the design, development, and implementation of quantitative models (assessment instruments) to assess the effects of tutoring and Supplemental Instruction on student assignments and course academic performance outcomes. The current assessment instruments are qualitative and elicit anecdotal data. Working under the direction and supervision of the Coordinator of the Academic Enrichment Center, the GSRA will assist in revising the current instruments to elicit qualitative and quantitative data. The initial work will involve the collection, organization, and analysis of tutor and SI utilization and student survey data collected over a three year period. The data will be analyzed to produce a report on student satisfaction with tutoring and Supplemental Instruction. Findings from the report, including any themes arising from student comments and suggestions, will be integrated into the revised assessment instruments.

Specific Day/Time Requirements:  None identified

Special Requirements:  The requisite skills and competencies of the GSRA for this project include familiarity with qualitative and quantitative assessment methodologies, experience with descriptive statistics, and knowledge of SPSS and related statistical software. Attention to detail and excellent organizational and communication skills are highly desired.

Graduate Students in These Programs May Apply:  ANY Graduate Student