Breadcrumb
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
Structured, Interactive Study Sessions
With Supplemental Instruction (SI), you integrate “how to learn” with “what to learn.” SI sessions are held twice a week throughout the semester and sometimes include extra review sessions for big exams.
Your SI Leader will be a student who has successfully passed the course. The leader’s job is to attend class with you, then prepare games and activities for the SI to help you learn.
If you are in a challenging course, listen for in-class announcements or ask your professor if SI support is available.
Supplemental Instruction is unique
SI leaders tailor sessions for a specific course and instructor. Anyone enrolled in the supported course, no matter how confident or confused, is invited to attend SI. Learning, reviewing, and preparing for tests happens in a structured yet relaxed environment.
Supplemental Instruction is active
In SI sessions, students work together to clarify concepts, compare notes, and develop strategies for studying. SI is the place for you to ask questions, review readings and homework, and prepare study tools. You are not alone; someone who knows how to succeed in the course will guide you.
Supplemental Instruction is effective
Students who regularly attend and participate in SI earn higher grades. With SI support, they withdraw less often from challenging courses, saving time and money.
SI Resources For Instructors
What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction is an academic support service that provides peer-facilitated study sessions for undergraduate students in high-risk courses. SI sessions are informal review sessions where students discuss course material, develop important organizational and study skills, and integrate the material and skills as a group. These sessions are led by an SI Leader—a student who has taken the course successfully—working with the guidance of the partner professor who teaches the course being supported. SI Leaders receive training by SI staff, attend lectures, and meet regularly with the course instructor.
How does SI help students?
- Reduces rates of attrition within targeted historically difficult courses.
- Improves student grades in targeted historically difficult courses.
- Increase the graduation rates of students
While most tutoring services target specific students, SI focuses on the course. Instead of pointing out an individual student as needing help, SI creates a "big tent" that invites all students in the class to participate. This reduces the stigma and anxiety some students experience asking for help.
What courses are a good fit for SI?
- 1000 – 2000 level undergraduate courses
- Gatekeeper or Gateway Courses
- High-enrollment courses that include difficult content
- Courses with a historically moderate to high rate of students earning Ds, Fs, or withdrawing from the course (typically a DFW rate ≥30%
- Lecture-intensive courses where students would benefit from hands-on practice with the content
How do I request an SI leader?
testimonial
"My experience in SI has been great. Not only was I able to connect with students having the same difficulties as me, but I also found new ways to improve habits. After learning these habits, I have noticed a drastic change in my grades and personal life."
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION STUDENT
Contact
Learning Commons
JCK Library 1250
Tel: 660-543-8972
