Created at UMKC in 1973, Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a non-remedial academic support program that targets high-risk courses rather than high-risk students. SI targets historically difficult courses by teaching students how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills to increase their performance. The International Center for Supplemental Instruction is located at UMKC.
SI is an active approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn.” SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary sessions outside of class, which are facilitated by trained peer leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups.
SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students review notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and prepare for exams. Students who attend SI sessions regularly throughout the semester earn on average a half to a full letter grade higher than those who attend no sessions.
SI sessions start the first or second week of class. Each SI leader typically sets up three or more review sessions per week. SI sessions are free. Students are encouraged to as many as they'd like; however, statistics show that the more students attend, the better their grades.
SI leaders are students who have previously earned high grades in targeted courses and have been recommended by faculty. They attend class lectures, taking notes and listening closely to the professors, and are prepared to coach students on how to effectively study for SI courses. SI leaders receive training and ongoing supervision from the SI coordinating team to be effective facilitators.
At each session, the SI leader guides students through the course concepts. The SI leader helps students make good use of their time and shares their strategies for success in the course. The SI leader will not re-lecture, give out copies of their notes, help students with assigned homework or encourage last-minute test cramming.
