What is Supplemental Instruction?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a student success program that provides peer-led group study sessions for students enrolled in historically difficult courses. Originally developed at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1973 and now in use at hundreds of colleges around the world including Australia and South Africa, SI helps students of all backgrounds and skill levels to improve their understanding of difficult course material, as well as to increase the effectiveness of their study skills. At LBCC, SI is offered for several classes each semester, including Accounting, Anatomy, Chemistry, Math, and others.

How does SI work?
A trained SI Leader attends the class along with the students and facilitates two SI sessions per week outside of class. These SI sessions promote collaboration and other learning techniques in order to guide students through the material presented in class. The sessions are voluntary, anonymous, and free. Students and faculty agree that students earn higher grades as a result of attending SI sessions.

What qualifications does an SI Leader have?
SI Leaders have previously earned an "A" in the class to which they are assigned, or they have an established history of success in the subject area. Most are LBCC students, although some are working on B.A. or M.A. degrees at local universities. They are students working hard to accomplish their educational goals. They also attend regular training at LBCC.

What happens during an SI session?
In a typical SI session, students will compare notes, discuss important concepts, prepare for an upcoming quiz or exam, and develop better study strategies. Often, an SI leader will design an activity or game that is not only fun, but also educational. SI sessions are not meant to be substitutes for attending class; rather, they will enhance the material presented by the instructor and give students a chance to digest and apply it. To hear students talk about how SI has helped them, visit the International Center for Supplemental Instruction and watch this video.

What if I have more questions?
For more information about SI, you can email the SI Coordinator, Chris Glover.

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