SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI) PROGRAM

What is Supplemental Instruction?

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 with other 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 have students 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."

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HOW TO ENROLL IN AN SI SUPPORTED COURSE:

Step 1: Download the spring 2010 SI schedule.

Step 2: Review the SI schedule to find the course you need to enroll in.

Step 3: Review the SI schedule to see what days and times the SI sessions will take place
for that particular course section.

Step 4: YOU MUST LEAVE 30-50 MINUTES OPEN IN YOUR SCHEDULE TO ATTEND THE SI SESSIONS.

Step 5: Enroll in the selected course section.