What is Supplemental Instruction?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review or study sessions for students enrolled in historically difficult classes. The Academic Success Center partners with the course instructors to provide these sessions which are voluntary, free, and facilitated by a trained peer SI Leader. SI is provided to students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. SI is not a substitute for class, doing assigned homework or meeting with the course instructor.
SI Schedule - Spring 2010
The SI supported courses are:
| Accounting 201, 202 |
| Biological Sciences 223 |
| Chemistry 101 |
| Chemistry 223 |
| Engineering Mechanics 201 |
| Mechanical Engineering 201 |
| Math Sciences 102,106,108,207 |
| Physics 122 |
What is an SI Leader?
SI leaders, students who have previously taken the course at Clemson and earned an “A”, attend all class meetings and guide students through the class material. They are trained to integrate course content (what to learn) with study strategies (how to learn) in the SI sessions. They will help students organize class material, compare notes, discuss difficult concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and be prepared for taking tests and exams. What SI Leaders won't do is lecture, re-teach or tutor the material.
Program Highlights
- Of the 5053 students enrolled in 109 sections of 14 courses that offered SI in Fall 2007, 3041 (59.8%) attended at least one SI session.
- There were over 20,000 student visits to SI sessions in the Fall 2007 semester.
- On average, SI participants (with 6 or more visits during the semester) achieved a higher percentage of A’s and B’s, a lower percentage of C/D/F/Ws and higher course grades than non-participants.
- Our SI leaders have an average cumulative GPR of 3.7.
- "Outstanding SI program 2006" awarded at the International Conference on Supplemental Instruction, Malmo, Sweden.
- "2006 SI Leader of The Year" Awarded at the International Conference on Supplemental Instruction, Malmo, Sweden.
What is expected of students?
- Regularly attend class meetings; SI is support for the course, not a replacement for lecture or faculty contact.
- Complete all required readings prior to attending class and SI sessions.
- Bring questions to sessions; participation in sessions is important to understanding difficult concepts. Be ready to share and ask questions of fellow students.
- Regularly attend SI. Research shows that students who attend SI at least once a week perform better on exams and earn higher grades.
- Relax and have fun!
Direct any questions regarding Supplemental Instruction to:
Dr. Ben Deaton, Supplemental Instruction Coordinator
Academic Success Center
Cooper Library, Level 3
bdeaton@clemson.edu
(864) 656-6214