Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students enrolled in selected courses. At colleges and universities throughout the country, the SI method has been proven to help increase student understanding of course material and raise grades.
Attendance at SI sessions is voluntary. Students have an opportunity to compare notes, discuss important concepts, study for tests, and develop strategies for studying and learning.
An SI Coach facilitates the SI sessions. The Coach is an exemplary student who has previously taken the course, with a grade of A or B.
What's in it for you, the student?
If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are much higher that you will earn a better grade than if you did not attend. You will develop a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways to learn it. This will help you to be a more successful learner in your other classes, also. Through attending SI, you will develop friendships withother students and staff and feel a stronger connection to El Camino College.
What can you expect from your SI Coach?
The SI Coach...
Attends class along with the students
Is trained in the most effective learning and study strategies
Operates as a model student and relays tips on the most effective study skills
Integrates ‘how to learn‘ with ‘what to learn‘ in SI classes
Provides leadership structure to the study session
Is a facilitator for the grade-raising collaborative learning strategies
Models critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
Empowers students to become independent learners
What students have said about their SI experience?
"The SI sessions helped me to understand the class material much better, which showed on my performance on exams. I think anyone who has not taken advantage of SI workshops is missing out on a great opportunity."
"SI gave me the opportunity to review the main points without any confusion. It definitely helped me to get a higher grade than I was expecting."
"The SI program helped me immensely. I achieved more than I imagined. It helped to hear the lectures in class, take notes, and then go to SI sessions. Then when I studied on my own, it was a lot easier to understand the class material. I did well in class because of the SI sessions."
