Supplemental Instruction FAQs
What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction (A.K.A. SI) started at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1973. It is now a nationwide as well as an international program. SI provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer facilitated sessions. Sessions are open to all students in the class and are attended on a voluntary basis. The SI leader attends class and leads the group sessions.
What Happens During an SI Group Session?
The SI sessions are focused on review of the class material. Participants also have the opportunity to learn and practice effective learning strategies. Student participation is encouraged through small group activities, discussions and voicing questions and concern.
What is an SI Leader?
An SI leader is a student or recent student who has taken the class and is knowledgeable in the subject. The SI leader attends class and leads a study group for the specific class usually twice a week. The SI leader is there to help students better understand the course material through discussion, small group work and special handouts. Students are encouraged to become actively involved in the group through discussion and practicing good study strategies. Interested in becoming a leader? Click Here.
How do you find out what classes have SI?
The classes that include supplemental instruction are listed in the schedule of classes both on-line and in paper form. The classes with SI are boxed in with some details about the group. Also, a list of courses offering SI is listed in the front of the written schedule of classes. For the most up to date information though Click Here to see the Meeting Schedule.
As an Instructor How Can I get an SI Group for My Class?
Both full-time and part-time instructors can have an SI group with their class. An instructor can request SI by checking off the box on the scheduling preferences form. Instructors should also notify their IUA and scheduler 2 semesters ahead of time for an SI group. The IUA’s and schedulers make a list of interested instructors which is forwarded to the SI Coordinator.