Advice on how to get started in this intriguing and rewarding area will be provided. Collaborative group work is emphasized, with the UTUs acting as teachers, peer leaders and mentors. These structured sessions lead to improved student performance in the course and improved satisfaction with recitation and lab. The program offers a novel and rewarding experience for the undergraduate UTUs. Undergraduate SI leaders are trained in study and test taking strategies, group dynamics and communication skills in order to provide study groups where students develop effective study strategies and critical thinking skills necessary to master course content.
SI leaders assist students to review, clarify and apply material introduced in lecture.
Results have shown participants usually achieve better final grades and lower rates of D, F, W than students who do not choose to participate. Undergraduate Teaching Assistants are invaluable to Freshman Studies and further the success of the program in a multitude of ways. Freshman Studies is a one-credit course, taken by most incoming freshmen, designed to facilitate students transitions from high school to college. Freshman Studies UTAs co-facilitate FS 0001 with a full time instructor, and offer the experienced student s perspective on college success. In class, UTAs lecture, facilitate class discussions, lead interactive activities and escort classes on outings in Pittsburgh.