Supplemental Instruction (SI)
What is Supplemental Instruction?
Almost 50 years ago, in 1973, Supplemental Instruction (referred to as SI) was developed at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) by Deanna Martin, Ph.D. as an academic support model to increase student success and retention in traditionally difficult courses.
These courses, in general, have a 30% or higher rate of students who receive a grade of D or F, drop, or withdraw. Since its inception, SI has spread to over 1,500 institutions in over 30 countries. SI has been particularly successful in decreasing attrition rates of underrepresented and historically marginalized students.
SI is non-traditional and relies on group collaboration between students in a facilitated discussion led by an SI Leader.
Another important distinction is that SI is not remedial or mandatory, so students can choose whether or not to use this resource.
What is the role of an SI Leader?
An SI Leader is a former student who has successfully taken a traditionally difficult course. They are usually recommended by faculty.
SI Leaders plan SI sessions each week using strategies designed to encourage students to work together and become independent learners. SI Leaders meet with a mentor in the SI Program once a week to talk about what went well and what can be improved. SI mentors are former SI Leaders who excelled at planning and facilitating sessions for multiple semesters.
SI Leaders also hold a drop-in hour once a week where students can come individually or in groups to ask more pointed questions about the course.
How does it work in a course?
The SI Leader attends all lectures, takes notes, and models successful student behaviors in the classroom and SI sessions.
After some in-depth training, SI Leaders facilitate two 50-minute SI Sessions per week where current students in the class can come and discuss class content, study strategies, and exam review in a structured, planned setting.
What is my role as Instructor?
Each week, SI Leaders meet with their faculty member to discuss content and strategies for the upcoming sessions.
Advertise the sessions to your students during class. Take some time during class to remind your students when and where they can take advantage of SI as a resource. Work with your SI Leader to make regular announcements on CANVAS, Discord, and other course communications regarding SI session times and material being covered.
Involve your SI Leader in classroom discussions and group work. Validate your SI Leader's responses so that students know they are a knowledgeable resource.
Share resources with your SI Leader and keep them abreast of upcoming course topics to cover, especially ones that students have traditionally struggled with.
Add your SI Leader to your course CANVAS, Discord, and other course communications.
Provide recommendations for students that have excelled in your course to become future SI Leaders!
SI works best when the Instructor and SI Leader have clear roles. Please take a moment to check out our Best Practices Information!
What an SI Leader can do:
Plan and facilitate two 50-min sessions outside of class time as well as a one-hour drop-in.
Use the Three Pillars of SI in each SI Session.
Offer other students the perspective of an experienced student in class discussions related to study skills, techniques, or tips.
Lead small group discussions or activities as directed by the faculty member.
Provide one-on-one interactions and facilitation for students during class activities.
Answer questions, provide feedback and guidance to students during in-class hands-on practice sessions and drop-in sessions.
What an SI Leader cannot do:
Cover new concepts the course instructor has not already covered
Lead any part of the class without the instructor present and without instructor permission
Grade assignments, prepare lessons, take any teaching responsibilities
Enforce class policies including discipline, classroom management, attendance, etc.
Function as a teacher’s assistant by running errands or making copies; the SI Leader is there to assist students in learning and is not a teaching assistant!
Hold sessions outside of the scheduled dates and times.