Don Nelson

Donald.Nelson@mtsu.edu

Don Nelson

Mathematical Sciences

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KOM 204

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Complementing other student success efforts, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is the next University effort to improve student retention. SI is an academic assistance program utilizing peer-assisted study sessions facilitated by students who have previously done well in the course and who attend lectures, take notes, and act as model students. This proposal is to equip KOM 204 as a model SI lab where students and learning facilitators will be able to meet in regularly scheduled sessions to compare notes; discuss assignments; and utilize course materials, technology, and each other to analyze, and make sense of challenging mathematical concepts. It would also provide an informal learning space for faculty to conduct impromptu review/study sessions. This Resource Room for SI will benefit students enrolled in targeted high-risk courses such as Calculus 1 & 2 (required of most STEM majors; 1000+ students @ year), Precalculus (1100+ students @ year), and other Gen. Ed. mathematics courses (4300+ students @ year). Construction cost is higher because the design includes a glass store front to encourage students into the space. The space design is considered a blended instructional space—one that can easily morph from a small review lecture to team or independent study. The room occupancy is 24. This design is being used as a prototype for future SI spaces across campus. In February, we will apply for a grant through Steelcase to obtain the furniture.