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 two 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.
SI Participation Guidelines (PDF)
SI Edge was created to increase SI sessions attendance by addressing scheduling conflicts, one of the main reasons students report they do not attend SI sessions. SI Edge accomplishes this goal by populating one of the two SI session times into the course schedule on Pathway before the term begins. The SI programs works with the registrar’s office and academic units to try and identify a time that is conducive for students to ensure maximum participation. Students will see the SI session time populate on their course schedule when they enroll in the course, ensuring they reserve that time for SI early in their semester planning. SI Edge has been piloted in courses and found to be an effective way to increase SI session attendance.
Below is a sample schedule with the SI session populated.
If a student does need to enroll in a conflicting course, they complete the ADD/DROP form (PDF), which allows them to enroll in the other course despite the conflicting time. When the form is filled out for this reason, it will not need to be signed by course instructors or advisors.
Below is a sample schedule that shows what it looks like to have a conflicting course.
Once the semester begins, SI leaders for SI Edge courses provide students with additional information on how SI Edge operates. Should you have any questions or concerns about SI Edge please reach out to the SI Coordinator, Heather Miller (millerhe@umkc.edu).
