Supplemental Instruction

What is supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an alternative approach to traditional academic support services for college students and is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and strengthen their grades. The SI program targets traditionally difficult academic courses and provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer facilitated sessions. These sessions focus on integrating course content with study skills.

What is an SI session like?

SI sessions normally occur in a classroom near the course classroom, and are open to all students in the course. Sessions are attended on a voluntary basis. SI sessions are opportunities for students to discover appropriate application of study strategies and to involve themselves actively in course material. SI leaders use the text, supplementary readings, and lecture notes as the vehicles for learning skills instruction SI review sessions are informal. For an SI session, bring your notes, bring your textbook, and most importantly, bring your questions!

Who is an SI leader?

SI leaders are competent students who have previously taken the course and know the course content. SI leaders receive training and are anxious to help guide other students through the course. SI leaders do not lecture; their job is to assist you think about the lectures you hear and the books you read by integrating this material with study skills that help you learn more efficiently.

What’s in it for me?

If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you will earn a better grade. More importantly, you will develop a better understanding of the course content hone effective ways of studying which will help you learn in other classes, too, throughout your academic career.