Supplemental Instruction
Program Description
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a form of free academic support to help students succeed in challenging courses. It consists of dynamic study sessions led by a student who has already successfully completed the class–the SI Leader. The SI Leader attends lecture along with students and then designs study sessions based on the material presented. During SI sessions, SI leaders might go over difficult terms, breakdown complex problems or concepts, discuss readings, or review for upcoming exams. Not only is SI a fun and interactive way to review lecture material, but it’s proven to improve students’ grades.
The SI Leader
The SI Leader is a student who has already completed the course successfully, has at least a 3.0 GPA, and receives a recommendation from the instructor associated with the course. In addition to content mastery, SI Leaders are strong communicators. SI Leaders are responsible for planning interactive weekly study sessions and responding to students’ needs to help them succeed in the course. SI Leaders’ basic responsibilities include
- Attending all class meetings of selected course, take notes, and read all assigned materials, including text(s) and supplemental readings.
- Conducting one to three 50-minute study sessions per week throughout the term, using strategies learned through the SI leader training workshop.
- Regularly communicating with SI supervisor about plans for weekly study sessions.
Prior to beginning work, SI Leaders participate in a two-day training at the start of each semester and meet regularly with the SI Supervisor to discuss lesson plans and strategies for improving their SI sessions. SI Leaders benefit from their experience by building their resume, helping fellow students achieve success, and learning more about the learning process.
What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction is a set of weekly review sessions offered to support challenging courses on campus. Review sessions are led by an SI Leader who has already successfully completed the course.
SI is offered with my class. Why should I attend?
- Get better grades.
- Learn helpful study strategies.
- Meet new people.
- Review course material in a fun way.
Okay. I know why I should go. But what should I expect when I get there?
- Participate in discussions
- Take practice exams–and discuss the results
- Compare notes with classmates
- Learn study techniques
- Make friends
- Gain confidence in course material
I’m doing okay in the class. Do I really need to go to SI?
SI is for everyone! Students at all levels will benefit from a chance to review material together.
So…how do I know it’s as awesome as it sounds?
Student comments on SI:
“I am more prepared for lectures.”
“My quiz grades have improved with my involvement in sessions.”
“It has given me a different way of studying.”
“Someone who had the class previously knows the professor’s teaching style.”
“SI breaks down the material and goes through lecture piece by piece and really makes you understand.”
What is faculty’s role in SI?
While faculty members are not responsible for training or supervising SI Leaders, their support of SI Leaders is pivotal to the success of SI. Faculty members should provide SI Leaders with time to make announcements about SI sessions and encourage students to attend. SI Leaders and faculty also meet occasionally to talk about lecture, the SI Leader’s plans for study sessions, and other course-related issues that might arise. Faculty members will also communicate with the SI supervisor periodically through the semester to provide feedback on the program.
How can I support the SI Leader associated with my class?
We’re glad you asked! Here are some ways you can promote the SI program and support your SI Leader:
- Allow your SI Leader to make weekly announcements about SI sessions.
- Post SI session times and locations on your D2L site.
- Provide D2L access to your SI Leader so he or she can email students with reminders about sessions.
- Meet with your SI Leader occasionally to discuss class content and help plan study sessions.
- Set aside time for the SI Leader to survey students about the SI program 2-3 times during the semester.
How does SI benefit my students?
- Students who attend SI regularly are more likely to earn higher grades and a fuller understanding of the subject.
- You’ll receive valuable feedback from your SI Leader about topics that might be challenging to your students.
I’d like SI associated with my class. How do I get involved?
Contact Amie Shea (whittemo@uwp.edu) to learn more about the SI program and to see if your class is a good fit.
Current Supplemental Instruction Schedule Spring 2013
| Course & Instructor | SI Leader | SI Times & Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Art 126, S. Giesfeldt Van Ruiswyk | Zack McDermott | Mondays, 1:00-1:53pm, MOLN 140 |
| BIOS 101, D. Pham | Jim Shea | Wednesdays, 1:00-1:53pm, MOLN 116 |
| BIOS 101, M. Thomson | Keona Thompson | Tuesdays, 11:00-11:53am, MOLN 140 Thursdays, 10:00-10:53am, MOLN 140 |
| CHEM 101, R. Judge | Chris Dunn | Mondays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 112 Tuesdays, 12:00pm-12:53pm, MOLN 116 |
| CHEM 322, G. Wood | Kirstan Gimse | Mondays, 12:00pm-12:53pm, MOLN 116 Thursdays, 5:00pm-5:53pm, MOLN 116 |
| CSCI 105, T. Knautz | Ashley Riendeau | Wednesdays, 11:00am-11:53am, MOLN 116 |
| CRMJ 101, L. Loud | Steve Eckert | Wednesdays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 167 |
| ECON 101, N. Cloutier | Jeff Dalby | Mondays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 112 Wednesdays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 142 |
| ENGL 167, T. Coronado | Chelsey Okerberg | Tuesdays, 4:00-4:53pm, MOLN 116 Wednesdays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 140 |
| GEOG 100, J. Ward | Tony Schiro | Thursdays, 8:30am-9:30am, MOLN 226 |
| HIST 101, S. Moats | Matt Ragalie | Wednesdays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 112 |
| PSYC 101, S. Beyer | Sara Tickanen | Mondays, 12:00pm-12:53pm, MOLN 112 Thursdays, 1:00pm-1:53pm, MOLN 116 |
| PSYC 101, E. Bowden | Tamika Esho | Wednesdays, 4:00pm-4:53pm, MOLN 116 |
If you have any questions about the SI program, please email Amie Shea (whittemo@uwp.edu).
