Supplemental Instruction FAQs
What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
"Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support program that targets historically difficult courses. SI is a non-remedial approach to learning enrichment that increases student performance and retention. SI offers regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions to all students enrolled in a targeted course. SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students review notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and prepare for examinations. Students learn how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills."
© 2017 SI. ©2015 UMKC SI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
How does SI work?
How does SI work?
"At each SI Session, the Leader will guide the students through the most difficult course concepts. SI Leaders will help students make good use of their time and share the strategies he or she used to be successful in the course. SI Leaders will not re-lecture, give out copies of his or her notes, help students with assigned homework, or encourage last minute test cramming. The overall goal of SI sessions it to incorporate a deeper understanding of course content with study skills that can be used with other coursework."
© 2017 SI. ©2015 UMKC SI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
What is an SI Leader?
What is an SI Leader?
"SI Leaders are 'near peers.' SI Leaders are students themselves who have taken the class before and earned a high grade in the course. Faculty typically recommend [leaders]...[then] SI Leaders undergo a vigorous training process. SI Leaders are prepared to share with students how to effectively study for the course. SI Leaders attend the same class sessions with the students, taking notes and listening closely to the professor. They SI Leader is supervised by the [Learning Center] program coordinator."
© 2017 SI. ©2015 UMKC SI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
When do SI Sessions begin each semester?
When do SI Sessions begin each semester?
"SI Sessions start the first or second week of class. SI Leaders will [typically] pass out a short survey and ask students to mark their available times on the first day class...After reviewing the surveys, the SI Leader will announce times and locations for sessions during the next class period. Each SI Leader typically sets up three or more review sessions per week."
© 2017 SI. ©2015 UMKC SI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
How will I know if SI supports my class?
How will I know if SI supports my class?
The SI Leader will make an announcement about sessions during the first week of class. Students will be asked to fill out a short survey regarding their class schedule and availability. Students are encouraged to bring their official class schedule with them on the first day.
For a list of current supported courses and SI Session information, please visit the SI webpage.
Who benefits from SI?
Who benefits from SI?
"The SI Program is beneficial to everyone. Students who attend SI Sessions report higher course grades and learned study skills. SI Leaders report professional development in Leadership and facilitation; they also report better, more developed relationships with faculty and a deeper understanding of the content for which they serve. Faculty benefit from having SI support in their classes. Through interactions with the Leader, they have their finger on the pulse of the students in their class, they receive higher student evaluations, and they are more connected with the needs of their students. Finally, university administrators benefit because the data show that course sections with SI support have, on average, a 13% reduction in grades of D, F, and Withdrawals. This helps to raise the retention rate of students in the course. Also, SI is a less expensive program to run than traditional tutoring."
© 2017 SI. ©2015 UMKC SI. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.