Supplemental Instruction
Schedules are posted at the bottom of this page
SI Fall 2012 Training - Faculty Forum
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What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) offers weekly study sessions to students taking “historically” difficult courses--that is, courses where students receive D’s, F’s or W’s (withdrawals). SI participants meet with their classmates outside of class to compare notes, discuss challenging concepts, and develop study strategies. As a result, they develop a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. They also learn how to effectively test themselves on course content.
Who leads the SI study sessions?
SI student sessions are led by undergraduate UCR students who have excelled in or tested out of the targeted course(s). Their training consists of a three-day workshop during which they learn instructional strategies that encourage active learning. SI leaders attend course lectures, participate in classroom activities, demonstrate what has been read or heard, generate new ideas, and put content-related concepts into perspective. What SI leaders do NOT do is re-lecture or go beyond the content covered in class.
Does SI work?
SI has been proven to be successful in increasing student academic performance and retention. Research shows that students who attend SI sessions on a regular basis can earn on an average half to a full letter grade than their peers who do not attend SI.
How do students know if study sessions are offered for their classes?
SI leaders make announcements about study sessions on the first day of class. They also post the times and locations for these sessions on a weekly basis.
How long do sessions last? How many sessions should students attend?
Each SI leader generally offers two to four weekly study sessions. Each session is informal and lasts approximately 50 minutes. Because new material is covered each day of class, no two SI sessions are alike. Consequently, students are encouraged to attend one or more study session per week, if possible, in order to increase their chances of mastering course material.
How soon do SI study sessions begin?
SI sessions begin when the courses begin! Times and locations for the study sessions are posted on the very first day of class.
What do students need to bring to SI study sessions?
Just their textbook, lecture notes, and any questions they may have.
Is there a cost?
No, SI is FREE!
Do professors know if their students are attending SI sessions?
Yes. SI leaders work closely with faculty members, and names of SI participants are disclosed to ensure faculty cooperation. If they ask for it, we can verify if a student has been attending the SI study session.
How do students sign up for SI?
Students don’t need to sign up beforehand. They just need to show up-preferably every week- for the study sessions that are most convenient for them and sign the attendance sheet.
What's in it for me as a student?
If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you’ll earn a better grade and develop a better understanding of course content as well as better ways of studying. This will help you in other classes also.
Top 10 Reasons to attend SI
- Improve your grade
- Possible midterm/final review
- Learn effective ways to study
- Network with other students
- Increase your knowledge and understanding
- If you have questions, we have answers
- Small group, comfortable setting
- It's an organized, scheduled study session
- SI leaders are really cool!
- It's voluntary and free
CNAS Learning Communities Schedule
BCOE Learning Communities Schedule
If you have any questions about Supplemental Instruction, please contact
Ali Saadat, Coordinator