What is SI?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students in "historically difficult courses" — courses in subjects with a high rate of D or F grades and withdrawals. SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of the course material and improve their grades.

The SI Leader facilitates the sessions, which assist in both collaborative and independent learning. A typical session might include some direct instruction, modeling of a learning strategy (such as a concept map), and/or review of the concepts followed by an opportunity for students to practice and apply new knowledge. Students can transfer many of the techniques they have learned in an SI session (like anticipating test questions) to other courses. These sessions are voluntary and open to any student taking the course who wants to improve their grades and understanding of course materials.

How does SI work?

SI is free and open to any student taking the course. Each session will focus on material from the course as well as study skills. It is a chance for students to meet with peers from their class to compare notes, work through problems, discuss concepts, strengthen study skills, and apply new knowledge.

Who are the SI Leaders?

SI Leaders are qualified and trained students who have taken the course previously, often from the same instructor, and who have excelled. The SI Leaders:

What are the benefits of SI?

What can I expect from SI?

• The sessions are designed for students of varying abilities, and no effort is made to segregate students based on academic ability.
• The SI leaders take part in an intensive training session before the beginning of the academic term with additional training throughout the academic year. Their training covers learning and instructional strategies aimed at strengthening student academic performance, data collection, and management details.
• Students have the opportunity to become actively involved in the subject material because the leaders use the text, supplementary readings, and lecture notes as the vehicle for learning skill instruction.
• Data shows that students who attend SI sessions earn higher grades and withdraw less from the class than students who do not attend the sessions. SI students also have higher re-enrollment and graduation rates.

How does SI compare to other types of study sessions?

While SI may differ from other types of study sessions, it may also have some things in common. It may be helpful for you to think of these items below on a continuum:

• Class Attendance: unlike traditional programs, SI leaders attend all class lectures and read all assigned texts.
• Non-expert/Authority of Study Leader: While SI leaders demonstrate proficiency in the content area, they also model the learning processes necessary for content mastery. SI leaders function as model students rather than authority figures.
• Extensive Training: In addition to demonstrating competency, SI leaders are trained to think about how they achieved it. Training includes process and methodology.

For additional information about Supplemental Instruction, please contact Jaime Sperandio.