What is Supplemental Instruction?
Do you want to improve your academic performance in historically challenging subjects? Participating in the Mount's Supplemental Instruction (SI) program can help you reach your goal!
SI is a cost-free academic support program that provides weekly, out-of-class, peer facilitated sessions. SI sessions are voluntary, and available to you if you are enrolled in:
Business 2221: Intro Accounting I
Business 2222: Intro Accounting II
Business 3325: Intermediate Accounting
Economics 1101: Microeconomics
Economics 1102: Macroeconomics
Psychology 1110: Intro to Psychology as a Science
Psychology 1120: Intro to Psychology as a Social Science
Math 2208: Intro to Statistics I
Math 2209: Intro to Statistics II
Chemistry 1011: Intro to Chemistry
Chemistry 1012: Intro to Chemistry
Chemistry 2401: Organic Chemistry
Chemistry 2402: Organic Chemistry
Your SI leaders are students who have achieved excellent academic results in these subject areas. Your questions will shape the review sessions, and your leaders will also share their tips for success with you. Together, you and your SI leaders will work on: understanding concepts you find challenging, developing effective study skills, and increasing your grades in the SI subject areas.
Benefits of SI
Improved Grades: Taking steps to improve your academic performance can help increase your grades in the SI subject areas, and your overall GPA
Comfortable Learning Environment: You may find it easier to ask your peers, who are at an equal or similar level to you, about challenging concepts in your subject area
Improve Confidence in a Subject Area: As you improve in the subject area, the perceptions you have surrounding your abilities in it may change
Become a more Independent Learner: By voluntarily participating in the SI program you are taking control over your learning. Also, you will gain effective study skills to help you become a more independent learner
Gain Transferrable Skills: The study skills you develop in SI sessions will help you in the SI subject area and your other courses
Contribute Your Knowledge: You are always welcome to contribute your knowledge in the subject area; participating in this way can help boost your confidence and help others in the group
Meet Other Students in Your Class: This social element of SI is helpful for forming future study groups and lasting friendships
How Does SI Differ From Tutoring?
Supplemental Instruction | Tutoring |
SI is intended for students who want to enrich their experiences in historically challenging courses; the focus is not on what the student can’t do, but how to effectively approach difficult course material | Students often seek out tutoring after academic difficulty or failure has been experienced |
A free MSVU service
| Usually a fee associated with tutoring |
Students usually work in groups, creating a relaxed atmosphere where increased discussion leads to greater understanding of the subject | Students usually work one-on-one with the tutor |
SI leaders are students selected and trained by an individual at the University to facilitate the sessions based on the course material | Students must find a tutor on their own |