Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a nontraditional form of academic support that focuses on collaboration, group study, and interaction for assisting students in undertaking “traditionally difficult” courses. In our context, “difficult” is defined as a course with a high percentage of D, F, or W’s. SI sessions are regularly scheduled, out-of-class review sessions for all students enrolled in a specific course. The sessions are informal seminars in which students review notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and prepare for examinations. Students learn how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills. The SI sessions are facilitated by “SI leaders,” students have previously taken and mastered the content material (grade of A or a strong B) of the course and actually attend class with students, and are prepared to share with students how to effectively study for the course and find academic success.
Facts about Supplemental Instruction:
- Developed by Dr. Deana Martin in 1973 at the University of Kansas City at Missouri.
- Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistant program that increases student performance and retention.
- The SI program targets historically difficult courses or those that have a high rate of D or F grades and withdrawals.
- SI provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated study sessions.
- SI attendance is a voluntary program for students to gain support outside the classroom.
Why should I attend Supplemental Instruction?
Students who attend Supplemental Instruction can:
- Develop a better understanding of course material
- Develop more effective ways of studying
- Prepare for tests, exams, papers, presentations, etc.
- Interact with other students in your class and build community
- Pass the course and potentially earn a higher grade
For any questions concerning Supplemental Instruction at PVAMU, please contact Dr. Wash A. Jones, Director, Academic Success, at (936) 261-3691 or at wajones@pvamu.edu.