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MSI for Spring 2012 will begin during the 2nd full week of the quarter. Classes have been selected; see the list below. Please see the MSI Learning Assistant if you have any questions.
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Spring 2012 MSI Classes
- AMS 3, 5, 7, 11A, 11B
- ASTR 2, 3
- BIOE 20B*
- BIOL 20A, 100, 105, 115, 135
- CHEM 1A, 1B, 1C, 108B
- CMPE 12, 16
- CMPS 12B, 101
- EART 110C
- ECON 1, 2, 100A, 100B, 113
- ENVS 23
- LALS 100B
- LIT 101
- MATH 3, 11A, 11B, 19A, 19B, 22
- MUSC 30C
- PHIL 9
- PHYS 5C, 6A, 6B, 6C
- PSYC 1, 2, 10, 181
- SOCY 10
* BIOE 20B: email charish@ucsc for a placement
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What is MSI?
Modified Supplemental Instruction gives students the opportunity to learn together in small groups led by advanced Student Learning Assistants.
MSI is guaranteed study/learning time facilitated by someone who has already been successful in the class.
How MSI works:
You may attend any MSI session at any time during the quarter without making a weekly commitment. MSI sessions are available on a first come,
first served basis. Please see the Professor or the Learning Assistant in your class for more information.
Comments about MSI
- It's nice to have people who are all in need of help coming together. I've met new people from my class and I understand the concepts better. (Chem 1C Student)
- The Learning Assistant included everyone and made sure every person understood a concept before moving on. (Bio 20A Student)
- The strengths of the MSI groups were the small groups and good environment where people want to learn. (Math 3 Student)
- The group learning that takes place during MSI sessions reinforces what you need to know. (Psych 1 Student)
- MSI allowed me to use the terminology of literary theory with an understanding and increased comfort with the language. (Literature 101 Student)
- The Learning Assistant didn't let people give up or pretend to understand. He was very patient and clear. (Economics 2 Student)
Modified Supplemental Instruction (MSI)/Tutoring Learning Combination for students who regularly attend MSI and also want tutoring
Process:
1. Attend MSI weekly throughout the quarter
2. Fill out the Tutor Request Form (without having the form signed and bringing it to the ARC, you will not be able to sign-up for tutoring for a MSI supported class)
3. Have the MSI Learning Assistant sign the Tutor Request Form
4. Return the Tutor Request Form to ARC 221
5. Register on the On-line Tutor Sign-Up System (OTSS)
6. Ask a LSS staff person to make OTSS tutoring available to you
7. If approved, sign-up for a subject tutor on OTSS
Some important facts about MSI:
- Supplemental Instruction has a successful history on more than 600 college campuses around the world.
- National data show that students who attend Supplemental Instruction average from one half to one full letter grade above
the average of the non-Supplemental Instruction group.
- It is guaranteed study/learning time.
| MSI Supported Classes Fall 2005 |
No
pass rate for students who did not participate in MSI |
No
pass rate for students who did participate
in MSI |
| Physical and Biological
Sciences Courses (Astro, Bio, Chem, Math, Physics) |
19% |
13% |
| Social
Sciences Courses (EconLALS, Psych, Socy) |
13% |
8% |
| Engineering
Courses (AMS,CS, CE) |
24% |
21% |
MSI Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I go to MSI?
MSI is guaranteed study time. The Learning Assistant received a grade of B
or better in the class. He/She facilitates the group but focuses on assisting students to answer the questions themselves.
Students who attend MSI 4 or more times are much more likely to not only pass the class but are more likely to receive a
higher grade than students who do not attend MSI. MSI also gives you a chance to get to know others in your class in a relaxed environment.
What can I expect from an MSI session?
MSI is guaranteed study time. The Learning Assistant received a grade of B
or better in the class. He/She facilitates the group but focuses on assisting students to answer the questions themselves.
Students who attend MSI 4 or more times are much more likely to not only pass the class but are more likely to receive a
higher grade than students who do not attend MSI. MSI also gives you a chance to get to know others in your class in a relaxed environment.
When does MSI start?
MSI generally starts during the second full week of the quarter. The actual start time is the first session
after the announcement is made in class.
Where can I find the MSI Schedule?
The MSI Schedule is available
on-line.
Where is MSI held?
To find the location of an MSI Session, go to
https://eop.sa.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the class.
MSI Sessions are located across campus, including the
ARCenter
(which is located between McHenry Library and the Music Center) and the Oakes Learning Center.
What if I miss the announcement?
You can go on-line to
https://eop.sa.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
and click on the class.
How do I find out about an exam study session?
MSI exam study sessions are limited to those who have come to MSI at least once before. The
Learning Assistant will announce the study sessions during MSI sessions and an email may be sent to students who have attended sessions.
Are MSI sessions permanently cancelled?
MSI sessions are permanently cancelled if attendance is low. If you want the services to continue for the class you must attend MSI.
How are classes that MSI supports chosen?
The classes are usually large (over 50) entry-level lower and upper division courses. The courses have generally
proven to be difficult for many students. Professors can also request to have MSI support for their course.
Does MSI happen during finals week?
No, unless there is a exam study session scheduled. The last MSI sessions for the quarter are held during the last week of instruction.
How are MSI times selected?
A survey is done in class during the first few days of the quarter. The most popular times and widely distributed times are chosen.
Do I have to go every week?
No. However, students tend to get the most benefit from the MSI sessions if they attend weekly or at least 4 times during the quarter.
If I need more help, what other services does Learning Support Services offer?
If a course is supported by MSI you must attend MSI first. If you would still like to receive additional tutoring support, please contact Learning Support Services at 459-4333.
How do I contact the Learning Assistant?
The Learning Assistants are in every lecture, so you can talk to them there. They generally sit near the front
and in the same spot every time. Or, you can e-mail them. Go to
https://eop.sa.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm
and click on the class. The e-mail is located at the bottom of this page. (Please note that MSI Learning Assistants may
or may not answer questions sent by e-mail.) Of course, the best place and time to talk with them is during the scheduled MSI sessions.
How do I find out more information about the Learning Assistant?
You can go on-line to
https://eop.sa.ucsc.edu/msi/msischedule.cfm and click on the Learning Assistant’s name. Here you will find a
picture, his/her person statement, the times and locations of MSI, as well as his/her e-mail address.
Who are the Learning Assistants?
The Learning Assistants are undergraduates who have previously taken the course and received a grade of B or better.
All Learning Assistants have been recommended by a professor and many are hand picked by the professor who is currently teaching the class.
How do I become a Learning Assistant?
In general, the professor recommends students. If you are interested, you should let your professor know.
You must have received a B or better in the class and currently be in good academic standing. We generally start to hire
for the next quarter in the last few weeks of the previous quarter. Please see Student Job Listings for more details.
