Thank you for your interest in serving as a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) intern for  the Introduction to Human Communication Class (COMM 15000).  This new method of instruction is based on The Keller Plan and the Mastery Learning Model. Our PSI has been adapted in important ways that have, during its fall 2009 pilot, improved the classroom experience for the students who worked with our excellent Communication Studies majors. Below you will find a list of some of the most important duties associated with your role as a PSI Intern.  You will obtain more information (including a syllabus) as the semester gets closer.

You will need to complete the appropriate forms based on whether you plan to serve an internship, a practicum or independent study. The Communication Studies advisors can assist you with the application and registration process.

You will be assigned to a section of COMM 15000 based on your availability. You will meet in the classroom with the section instructor and your assigned 5 or 6 students twice a week. Your personal attention to your students' learning needs will make an enormous difference for your students, and your experiences as an intern will enrich your academic life in profound ways.

The third hour of your internship is earned during weekly PSI training sessions. These sessions prepare you for the class activities planned by the instructor during the following week. Each week, you are given helpful tips and instruction regarding how to best assist the students and the instructor.

1. Assist students with registration and navigation of the course website.
2. Assist students with their preparations for their graded assignments including their Informative Speech, Persuasive Speech, Small Group Presentation.
3. Assist students as they prepare to take their online unit tests.
4. Meet with students as they complete their in-class exercises and activities.
5. Remind students of the course policies such as the attendance policies.
6. Contact students to remind them of deadlines and absence excuse policy.
7. Serve as a liaison between the instructor and your students regarding questions that arise related to lectures and instructions.
8. Keep a weekly journal of your internship experiences.
9. Keep a notebook with your training materials.
10. Based on whether you are earning internship, practicum or independent study course points, you will be required to supply additional work as directed.

Given the importance of training to you and your students' success with this program, it is vital that you attend each of the weekly training sessions. If for any reason, however, you cannot attend either a class meeting or your training session, you are required to contact the COMM 15000 instructor. You will need to meet with a fellow intern and the instructor to obtain any missed information and instructions.

COMM 15000 PSI Internship Application 

Updated: March 2011