SI Program Overview

1) What is Supplemental Instruction?

The Supplemental Instruction Program was developed in 1973 by Dr. Deanna C. Martin. Her objective was to create an academic support system that focused on high-risk courses rather than high-risk students. The SI model utilizes peer-facilitated collaborative learning as the basis of the academic support system. The SI program has been implemented at a variety of institutions world-wide after successfully demonstrating that SI positively impacts student performance, retention, and graduation rates. For more information on the SI model, please visit the International Center for Supplemental Instruction.

2) How is SI different from traditional tutoring?

One of the main differences between SI leaders and tutors revolves around the implementation of collaborative learning in group settings. Tutors specialize in one-on-one academic assistance rather than content and section-specific group study. Because the SI leaders attend lecture as a model student, the leader can design their sessions around the instructor’s agenda. Finally, SI leaders prepare exam reviews based on specific content for their assigned section.       

3) What if one of my students requires more one-on-one attention?

The SI model focuses on group collaborative learning; however, there are several other academic services on campus that center around one-on-one academic assistance. For a complete list of all academic services at UHD, please visit the Tutoring Resources Page.

4) How is the SI program evaluated?

The UHD SI Program is evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively.

Qualitative:

1. Student evaluations: students fill out anonymous surveys at the end of the semester that evaluates the SI leader’s performance in their class and the SI program as well.
2. Faculty evaluations: faculty fill out an evaluation that covers the performance of their SI in class as well as an evaluation of the SI program.
3. Observations: experienced SI leaders sit in on another SI leader’s session and observe their performance, which is then reported in their observation record. The observer also meets with the Leader to discuss their performance in the session. These records are available to the SI Leader at any point during the semester. New SI Leaders are observed at least once a week; returning SI Leaders are generally observed every other week.

 

Quantitative: The SI program analyzes data from each course, including

1. Total number of visits to SI, categorized by course
   
2. Comparison of final course grades of each student enrolled in the SI-supported class, categorized by SI participation
3. Average number of students per SI session, by course
4. Number of repeat visits to SI sessions, by course

To view a detailed record of past and current data, please visit the SI Program Data website.

5) Where is the SI Program located at UHD?

UHD Supplemental Instruction is housed in the Learning Connection.