FAQs for Students
What is Supplemental Instruction?
Supplemental Instruction, or SI, is an academic enhancement program that offers group review sessions designed to help you improve test scores and grades in introductory or historically difficult courses, such as math, science, computer programming or psychology. SI sessions are free, voluntary, informal, and casual!
In addition, in SI you will experience…
- Weekly study sessions led by a peer who has successfully taken the course.
- An informal study group where it’s ok to make a mistake.
- A place to share study tips.
- A way to grasp tough material and break it down into understandable segments.
- A way to save time, money and frustration.
What are the benefits of attending SI?
- It’s FREE!!
- SI sessions are voluntary, informal and casual.
- You get to meet with other students in your class to compare notes.
- Develop study skills and strategies.
- Ask questions to your SI Leader.
- Review class material in a new way.
What are the differences between SI and Peer-Tutoring?
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Supplemental Instruction (SI) |
Peer-Tutoring (PT) |
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1 SI Leader works with a group of students. |
1 Peer Tutor works with 1-2 student(s) at a time. |
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The SI Leader attends a designated class. |
The Peer Tutor is not required to attend a section of the course. |
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The SI Leader works with a specified faculty member. |
The Peer Tutor is not associated with 1 designated faculty member. |
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The SI Leader works with and is supervised by an SI Coordinator. |
The Peer Tutor reports to a learning lab manager. |
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SI Leaders emphasize collaborative learning strategies. |
Peer Tutors emphasize individual study and organizational skills. |
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Both academic support services are complementary and can be used simultaneously. |
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Who facilitates the SI sessions?
SI sessions are conducted by trained SI Leaders; students who have successfully taken the course in a previous semester and have earned a grade of A or B. Also, they must have an overall GPA of 3.0. SI Leaders sit in on the current class so they are able to assist you during the SI session.
Who attends SI sessions?
SI is open to ALL students enrolled in the targeted course and therefore attracts students from all ability levels. SI helps “A” students keep their “A” as well as assists struggling students to pull-up their grades. So, we encourage you to attend SI sessions regularly throughout the semester as a part of your study routine, to obtain the best/most of it!
When are the SI sessions held?
SI sessions are held regularly 1-2 times a week. Group study sessions begin during the second week of classes. Additional group study review sessions may be held during upcoming tests or exams.
What happens during a typical SI session?
During SI sessions, students will review lecture presentations, engage in thoughtful class discussions regarding course topics, apply concepts, compare notes, as well as learn new study skills, such as memory techniques, time management, note-taking, or test-taking strategies. Sometimes SI Leaders will review for upcoming exams, or play Jeopardy or other fun games. Students will also learn “what to learn” while learning “how to learn”. Discover the secrets of passing the course!
How do I know if courses I am taking are offering SI?
SI Leaders will visit your class on the first day to discuss SI. Also, you can refer to the SI webpage and review the list of Courses with SI and the Schedule of SI Sessions or consult with your professor or academic advisor. Visit the SI office at the Tutoring & Testing Center, located in the 2nd Floor of the Student Affairs Building, or contact us at (954) 262-8391.
Can I attend an SI session if there is not an SI Leader in my class?
SI is usually offered in first-year courses, such as Biology, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Accounting, and Psychology.
Why should I attend SI?
Research studies indicate that students earn better grades when they work actively with the course material and participate in small groups. Therefore, you should expect the SI sessions to have an informal atmosphere where you and your classmates can explore important concepts, review class notes, discuss reading assignments, work practice problems and go over relevant study skills.
Just ask any student who attends SI sessions and how the group study has benefited them.
Why do SI Leaders take attendance?
Attendance is taken solely for statistical purposes. We will look at each student’s final class grade and actual number of times he/she attended a weekly session, to evaluate per semester/year the effectiveness of the SI program at NSU.
How do I become an SI Leader?
At NSU, SI Leaders are nominated by faculty to ensure content mastery, as well as go through an interview process with the SI Director. Students are required to have earned a grade of A or B in the course and maintain a 3.0 GPA. SI Leaders work approximately 7-9 hours per week.
The SI program employs students who work as peer leaders developing collaborative learning. The SI Leader attends lectures, directs/conducts weekly discussion/review sessions, prepares lesson plans, interfaces with faculty, and attends SI meetings. This job/duties calls for maturity, self-initiative, and strong subject knowledge.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at siprogram@nova.edu or (954) 262-8350