What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic support model founded by The International
Center for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. SI
is a non-remedial, structured group study environment led by undergraduate students,
called SI Leaders, who have previously taken and excelled in courses that historically
have high rates of D, F, and W grades.
How is the SI Leader different than a tutor or TA?
Different than attending a tutoring session or visiting TA office hours, SI Leaders
are trained in collaborative learning and study strategies; they develop and facilitate
weekly review sessions based on the current, relevant course material. The goal of these sessions is to promote student interaction and mutual support between
classmates, allowing the students to work through challenging materials in a supportive
environment. At Binghamton University our SI Leaders are also trained alongside our
Peer Success Coaches, learning and practicing methods of academic coaching as it pertains
to topics such as time and task management, workload distribution and organization,
productivity and motivation, etc.
SI Leaders work collaboratively with the course instructors to create relevant, up-to-date
support based on course content being taught each week. In addition to the weekly SI sessions,
the SI Leaders also coordinate review sessions around exam times. Supplemental Instruction
study groups and review sessions are open to any student enrolled in the course.
Do I need to "sign-up" to attend an SI Session?
Nope! Any undergraduate students who are enrolled in a course that offers Supplemental Instruction can attend the sessions as frequently or sparingly as they wish. The SI Leader will introduce themselves at the beginning of the term and be sure that you receive information regarding their sessions. If you are unsure if your course offers SI or when your SI Leader's sessions are, you are encouraged to reach out to the SI Leader or SI Program Coordinator directly.
