Southern Arkansas University

Supplemental Instruction Program

The SI Program

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program that increases student performance and retention it targets traditionally difficult academic courses--those that have a high percentage rate of D , F , and W grades--and provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated sessions. SI does not identify high risk students, but rather identifies high-risk courses. Supplemental Instruction is a non-remedial, institution-wide approach to retention developed by Deanna C. Martin, Ph.D. at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1973.

SI Leaders

The SI leaders are the key people in the program. They are presented as model students in the subject. As such, they present an appropriate model of thinking, organization, and mastery of the discipline. All SI leaders take part in an intensive two-day training session before the beginning of the academic term. This training covers such topics as how students learn as well as instructional strategies aimed at strengthening student academic performance. SI leaders attend all class sessions, take notes, read all assigned material, and conduct three or more 50-minute SI sessions each week.

SI Sessions

The SI session integrates how-to-learn with what-to-learn. Students who attend the SI session discover appropriate application of study strategies as they review content material, e.g., note taking, graphic organization, questioning techniques, vocabulary acquisition, and test preparation. Students have the opportunity to become actively involved in the course material as the SI leaders use the text, supplementary readings, and lecture notes as vechicles for learning skill instruction. SI sessions normally occur in or near the course classroom instead of in a learning center and are attended on a voluntary basis. No effort is made to segregate students based on academic ability. Since it is introduced on the first day of classes and is open to all students in the class, SI is not viewed as remedial.

Key Elements of Supplemental Instruction

  • SI identifies high risk courses instead of high-risk students.
  • SI provides a vechile for developing essential academic skills in regular credit bearing courses.
  • Participation in the SI program is voluntary and open to all students in the course.
  • The SI leader attends all the lectures for the targeted course.
  • The SI leader is trained in specific teaching/learning theory and techniques.
  • The SI program is supervised by a trained professional staff member.
  • The program is offered only in classes in which the faculty member invites and supports the SI program.
  • The SI leader facilitates and encourages the group to process the material rather than acting as an authority figure who lectures to participants.

 

What do the students say about Supplemental Instruction?

 

--"I got the highest grade on that one test that I went to the SI session for."

--"The SI sessions are great!"

--"I think the SI person worked hard at working out times that make it available for everyone to attend."

--"Right now, because of SI, I have a high C; hopefully, I can pull a B out with the final."

--"Continue having the SI study sessions."

 

 

Faculty Comments Concerning the SI Program:

 

--"The SI leader did an excellent job in my class. He attends, takes notes, and even takes the tests."

--"I believe the students found the SI leader helpful."

--"The SI leader was always present for class. She was very helpful to the students and me."

--" The SI leader rearranged her schedule to fit my students' needs."