What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an internationally recognized, peer-driven program that strives to improve student success in challenging courses. 

How does it work?

SI takes the form of bonus weekly study sessions, offered in specific challenging courses.

These study sessions are led by SI student leaders, who have successfully completed the course and now help their peers achieve similar success.

Sessions are completely free, are offered in person and online and attendance is voluntary.

Statistics consistently show that students who attend SI do better than those who do not. 

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Receiving Supplemental Instruction

If your course offers Supplemental Instruction, it will be announced the first week of class and shared on Canvas. SI student leaders may also introduce themselves during your class.

What happens during a typical SI session?

During SI sessions, the SI student leader leads the group in:

• Reviewing materials from the current week
• Discussing questions, offering practice problems and going over difficult concepts
• Games, collaborative activities and hands-on practice
• Sharing tips, tricks and new study skills to prepare for tests and quizzes
• Plus much more!

 Sessions are purposefully designed to help participants gain confidence, become more independent as learners and achieve greater success in the course. 

Think of SI as a way to interact with the course material in a more active, informal and student-centered way. 

SI Sessions are not a place for:

• Sharing exam or homework answers
• Private 1-on-1 tutoring
• A place to complain about an instructor

Did we mention SI sessions are 100% FREE?

What courses currently offer SI?

• BIO-101 and 233
• CHE-111 and 112
• CPT-115 and 150
• CTS-107

(Note that this list changes every term, so check back regularly!)

When and where are SI sessions held?

(See Canvas notifications for online meeting links)

BIO-101

With Eden

Tuesday, 2-3 p.m., LBRY 114
Wednesday, 3-4 p.m., LBRY 114
Thursday, 2-3 p.m., LBRY 114

With Lila

Monday, 11 a.m.-noon, LBRY 114
Thursday, 11 a.m.-noon, LBRY 114
Friday, 10-11 a.m., online (ZOOM)

BIO-233

With Luisa

Tuesday, 5-6 p.m., LBRY 114
Wednesday, 5-6 p.m., LBRY 114
Friday, 11 a.m.-noon, online (Teams)

CHE-111

With Valerie

Monday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., online (ZOOM)
Tuesday, 9-10 a.m., LBRY 114
Wednesday, 9-10 a.m., LBRY 114 

CHE-112

With Steven 

Monday, noon-1 p.m., CRSC 107
Tuesday, 7-8 p.m., CRSC 107/online (hybrid)
Thursday, 10-11 a.m., CRSC 107 

CTP-115/150

With Melodie

Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon, CALT 213
Wednesday, noon-1 p.m., CALT 213
Thursday, 4-5 p.m., online (ZOOM)

With Lucy

Tuesday, 7-8 p.m., online (ZOOM)
Wednesday, 4-5 p.m., online (ZOOM)
Thursday, 7-8 p.m., online (ZOOM) 

CTS-107

With Garrett

Wednesday, 12:45-1:45 p.m., CALT 205/online (hybrid)
Wednesday, 4-5 p.m., CALT 205/online (hybrid)
Friday, 11 a.m.-noon, CALT 205/online (hybrid)

FAQ

How much does SI cost?

Nothing! SI is completely and totally free, and always will be!

Is SI available in every course?

Each term, certain STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses are designated for SI based on student need and faculty request. SI is not available in all courses; check back each term to see what courses are offering SI.

What if there is no SI leader in my lecture class?

Any student enrolled in a course for which SI is offered may attend any SI session for that course. You do not need to be in the same section as the SI student leader, or even have the same professor.

What if I'm unable to attend any of the offered SI times?

SI session times sometimes change during term to meet student needs. Keep your eye on Canvas notifications to learn of any updates! Also, be sure to take advantage of online SI session offerings, as these can sometimes make attendance easier.

Is SI right for me?

Do any of the following apply to you?

• I'm struggling with a tough course.
• I work really hard and study, but I'm still not earning the grade I want.
• I have a good grade, but I'd like it to be even better!
• I'm looking for ways to improve my study skills.
• I would like to find a like-minded study group.

No matter your situation, SI is the place for you. Stop by and give it a try. There's nothing to lose, and you just might make new friends along the way!

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SI is Recruiting!

• Looking for a great job as a student?
• Do you enjoy supporting your peers and have a strong academic skill-set?
• Want to be paid to develop your leadership skills and résumé at the same time?

Become an SI student leader

Qualifications:

Being an effective SI student leader requires maturity, good organization and time-management skills, strong subject knowledge, and an ability to communicate clearly. To become a student leader, you must:

• Have earned an A or B in an SI course within the last three terms (see box on the right of the page for list of courses SI is currently recruiting for)
• Have a strong interest in and ability to work with peers in small group settings
• Be able to get a recommendation from a professor who teaches the SI course
• Be in good standing with the college (having no past-due payments or fines)

How to Apply:

First, complete the SI Application Form.

Then, reach out to Matt Bem, coordinator of STEM Initiatives and Supplemental Instruction,  at mjbem@aacc.edu, or drop by CALT 262 for details and/or to schedule an interview.

For information email Matt Bem, coordinator for STEM Initiatives and Supplemental Instruction, at mjbem@aacc.edu.