HISTORY AT A GLANCE
Supplemental Instruction (SI) was first developed at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1973. SI is an academic support program utilizing peer-facilitated study sessions to enhance student performance and to increase retention. The SI program targets traditionally difficult academic courses with high DFW rates.
WHAT IS SI?
SI is an academic support program that consists of peer-led, interactive study sessions that reinforce and clarify course material. The SI model has been successful in institutions of varying size, location or organizational structure when all elements are well presented to ensure the program's integrity. The SI program provides change in the learning environment for students enrolled in the targeted course. While all students may not take advantage of this voluntary resource, it often attracts an equal proportion of students from differing ability and cultural group.
KEY COMPONENTS OF SI:
The ideal SI Leader serves as a “model student” who has recently taken the class (from the same instructor) and received a final grade of A. The SI Leader attends all classes, facilitates at least two (2) weekly in-person study sessions, and holds SI office hours. SI Leaders are interviewed and trained by the SI Supervisor.
All SI Sessions are peer facilitated by a trained SI Leader. At least two (2), in-person SI sessions are held weekly and are open to all students enrolled in the supported course. SI sessions aim to integrate difficult course content.
SI Support Faculty are instructors of courses being supported by the SI Program. SI Support Faculty play a huge role in selecting and screening SI Leaders for content competency. All SI Leaders should be recommended and approved by instructors before being considered for the position. SI Support Faculty meet with SI Leaders during office hours to discuss SI session plans and course content. Faculty can support SI by granting time for occasional in-class announcements and by encouraging students to take advantage of the program. NOTE: SI Support Faculty should avoid the notion that only those students who do poorly will benefit from participating in the SI program!
WHAT SI Is Not?
SI differs from tutoring as SI sessions allow students to work in groups, compare notes, discuss important concepts, and develop study strategies. The SI Leader neither re-lectures nor introduces new material. SI Leaders are not teaching assistants, do not grade papers, do not complete homework for students or issue class notes.
SI does not replace going to class but assists in students receiving better grades, mastering course content, developing learning and study strategies.
TUTORING VS. SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI)
Tutoring
- helps individual students in general course topics
- students drop in to meet
- focuses on helping individual students understand general course content
- promotes independent learning and individual confidence
- facilitates student advancement and resolves the immediate academic crisis
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
- provides tailored, group learning sessions for historically difficult courses
- planned weekly session times are set and determined based on surveyed availability
- focuses on the internalization of specific course concepts by using learning strategies, studying tips, and interactive group activities
- promotes student-student interaction, community-like support
- facilitates student advancement and improves student overall academic success and improves graduation/retention rates
BENEFITS OF SI:
Participating students receive higher measures of academic achievement in comparison to their non-participating counterparts (according to research from the US Department of Education 1981).
Students benefit from the SI program by participating in interactive study sessions, earning higher subject grades while learning effective study skills, collaborating with peers promoting social engagement, prepare for exams, and making efficient use of study-time.
SI Leaders benefit from the SI program by receiving a source of income, developing strong leadership and life skills, and the opportunity to support faculty.
SI Support Faculty benefit from the SI program by establishing partnerships to aid in student academic success.
COURSES SUPPORTED OF SI:
| BIOL | MATH | PHYS | PSYCH | CHEM | CPSC |
| BIOL 2000 | MATH 1020 | PHYS 2010 | PSYC 2020 | CHEM 3130 | CPSC 1724 |
| BIOL 2010 | MATH 1070 | PHYS 2020 | PSYC 2511 | ||
| BIOL 3110 | MATH 2070 | ||||
| BIOL 3350 |
REACH OUT
For questions, feedback, ideas, or resource contributions, contact the Supplemental Instruction Supervisor, Dominique Townsend at dtownse1@xula.edu, or -6282.