1. An Introduction to Supplemental
Instruction at Porterville College

2. WHAT ARE THE FOCUS
AND PURPOSE OF THE
SUPPLEMENTAL
INSTRUCTION
PROGRAM?
Tell me, and I forget.
Show me, and I remember.
Involve me, and I
understand.
--Chinese Proverb

3. THE FOCUS OF SI
SI focuses on
students
helping
students “learn
how to learn.”
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

4. THE PURPOSE OF SI
 The program reviews, reinforces, and
clarifies course content through
informal, out-of-class study sessions.
 Designed to supplement—not
replace—class lectures
 Students who attend sessions learn to
integrate how to learn with what to
learn
 Provides an opportunity for
classmates to get together outside of
class to compare notes, to discuss
important concepts, and to develop
strategies for studying the subject in a
structured environment.
What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

5. HOW DOES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INSTRUCTION ASSIST
STUDENTS?
Benefits of SI

6. BENEFITS OF SI
 SI sessions are open to all students enrolled in the
class (for high-risk courses, not high-risk students)
 Students can involve themselves before they
experience difficulty
 SI sessions are structured study sessions
 Students become actively involved in subject
material
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College and What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

7. BENEFITS OF SI
 Interactive, collaborative
learning
 Reduction of attrition rates in
historically difficult classes
 SI students earn higher subject
grades and withdraw less often
than non-SI participants
 SI Leaders assume the role of
fellow students to create a
comfortable, peer-oriented
setting
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College and What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

8. WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE
SUCCESS OF SUPPLEMENTAL
INSTRUCTION?

9. ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF SI
SI Leader
SI Supervisor
Class Instructor
Students

10. THE SI LEADER
 Attends class
 Takes class notes and reads all
assigned materials
 Provides leadership for peers by acting
as a model student
 Schedules and runs at least one study
session per week
 Integrates content and promotes
learning skills
 Is paid for his time and feels the
euphoria of recognition for his success
(especially if that success comes in a
subject in which the student previously
viewed himself as a failure!)
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

11. THE SI SUPERVISOR
Works with instructors to
place SI Leaders
Trains all SI personnel
Provides in-service,
consultations, analysis,
and supplies
Maintains Inside PC
group to encourage
collaboration between
SI Leaders
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

12. THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR
Chooses a student
who succeeds in his or
her course
Student must earn an
A or a B in the class
Decides with student
what role the SI
Leader will have in the
class
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

13. THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR
 Allows SI Leader to
make announcements
to the class
 Encourages all
students to participate
in SI sessions
 Maintains an ongoing
professional
relationship with SI
Leader
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

14. EXPECTATIONS OF FACULTY
 SI is NOT intended to create
extra work for you!
 You can support SI by
granting time for occasional
in-class announcements and
be supportive of the program
by encouraging students to
attend sessions
 Maintain BRIEF regular
meetings with your SI Leader
What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

15. WHO SHOULD
BECOME
INVOLVED WITH
SUPPLEMENTAL
INSTRUCTION?

16. WHY YOU SHOULD WANT AN
SI LEADER FOR YOUR COURSE!
Proven student success
Minimal work on your part
You choose the SI Leader
He or she knows how you
work
You have a person
demonstrating how to be
your ideal student for the
entire semester!

17. YOU ARE
CONVINCED.
YOU WANT AN
SI LEADER IN
YOUR CLASS.
NOW WHAT?

18. TWO EASY STEPS TO GETTING AN
SI LEADER OF YOUR VERY OWN
1. Watch your students this
semester and choose a
student who demonstrates
what you would like to see
in all your students.
2. Send me the student’s
name and the information
for the course in which
you see the student
becoming an SI Leader.

19. QUESTIONS?