For Faculty

FAQ for Faculty about the SI Program

• What Is Supplemental Instruction?

  Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a learning enhancement program. SI is designed to organize and improve the ways in which students prepare for class outside of class. SI is attached to a subject to provide students with a systematic and disciplined approach for processing the subject material assigned by the professor. 

  Through this program an SI leader is assigned to a class. This student has already demonstrated proficiency in a targeted subject and undergoes SI training. The SI leader attends the class to keep up with the subject content being presented and to model effective student practices and attitudes. The SI leader schedules and conducts a two-hour group session each week at a time convenient to members of the class. During these sessions, the SI leader uses interactive learning strategies to encourage involvement, comprehension and synthesis of subject content. In addition, the SI leader will incorporate demonstrations of effective study techniques.

• SI Syllabus Statement

  SI Program: The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program is available to assist you in better understanding the course material. The SI program provides peer-facilitated study sessions led by qualified and trained SI leaders who attend classes with students and encourage students to practice and discuss course concepts in sessions. Sessions are open to all students who want to improve their understanding of the material. Attendance at these weekly 2-hour sessions is free, voluntary and anonymous to faculty.

  Your SI leader is (insert your class’ SI leader name here). Once the weekly session time is determined, session dates and times will be posted in the classroom and via email messages from your SI leader. You can also contact Stephanie Alden at [email protected] if you have questions about the SI program.

• Why Was My Subject Selected for SI?

  SI targets historically difficult subjects. In other words, this subject contains content that students consider to be challenging. SI is designed to support faculty teaching and is assigned to a subject because of what is being taught, not because of the manner in which it is being taught.

• What Will I Be Required To Do?

  SI is not intended to create additional work for faculty. You can support SI by granting time for occasional in-class announcements and be supportive of the program by encouraging students to take advantage of SI. Faculty should avoid the suggestion that only those who do poorly will benefit. Additionally, we will be in contact with you about the following aspects of the program: 

  • Assisting us in selecting and approving candidates for SI leaders for your subject; 
  • Assisting us by providing information for SI program evaluation.

• What Should I Expect from the SI Leader?

  The SI leader will attend all class meetings; maintain a professional attitude about matters such as class standards, grades, and student complaints; discourage students from attending SI as a substitute for class; share SI materials with the cooperating faculty member before use, if possible; and provide feedback to the cooperating faculty member if requested to do so. 

• What Should I Expect from the SI Program?

  That we will cooperate with faculty in selecting candidates for SI leaders and place leaders only with the approval of the cooperating faculty member; train all SI leaders according to established guidelines and standards; monitor the activities and presentations of SI leaders for as long as necessary by helping plan sessions and supervising their performance; provide supplies, training, in-service experiences, consultations for SI leaders; provide cooperating faculty with an end-of-term comparative analysis of student performance.