Academic Peer Instruction

How Does API Work?

API aims to pair high-performing students with students enrolled in high-risk courses and, through this collaboration, foster independent learning. We arm our tutors with techniques to facilitate their student’s learning experience and tailor their review of the material to different methods and preferences.

API is modeled after an internationally recognized program called Supplemental Instruction (SI), which takes a non-remedial approach to learning by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn.” Traditionally SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups.

SI is not peer tutoring; instead, the SI model was adapted to fit new, potentially best practices that serve the complex needs of the LaGuardia College student population. As an Academic Peer leader, you are expected to:

• Audit class hours to connect with students and take notes
• Provide voluntary, out-of-class tutoring sessions
• Attend weekly check-in and weekly group training
• Prepare Topics for your session

We hire students before the start of a semester and provide a pre-semester and weekly check-in and training during the semester in collaborative learning techniques. All tutors are observed and mentored throughout the semester. Since all of our tutors start as LaGuardia students, they know their students’ needs.

Mathematics and Engineering
MAT 115, MAT 120, MAT 200, MAT 201, MAT 231, MAE 213

Business
BTA 111, BTA 112

Biology/Anatomy and Physiology
SCB 201, SCB 202, SCB 203, SCB 204

Chemistry and Physics
SCC 110, SCC 201, SCP 231

Nursing
SCR 110, SCR 210

Computer Science
MAC 101, MAC 125, MAC 190