What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
“Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a peer-led academic assistance program that targets traditionally difficult courses and is offered to all students enrolled in the supported classes. The peer-led sessions are held regularly in an informal seminar during which students compare notes, discuss readings and concepts, clarify issues of confusion, and solve complex problems.
The continual practice of these strategies within the session creates deeper engagement with and enhanced learning of the material. Students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills are further developed through this small-group approach to learning. Students begin to develop their own learning strategies through the guidance of an SI leader—a student who has already been successful in the class and was recommended by the course instructor.”
(University of Missouri – Kansas City, 2004)