What
is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
More
than a study group, SI is designed specifically to supplement class
instruction for traditionally difficult academic courses. SI tutors
are already familiar with the course and have been trained to assist
in clarifying basic concepts, attending to current assignments
and facilitate effective study skills.
What
is a SI session like?
Students in the course meet weekly (on a voluntary basis) with an SI tutor
to go over concepts presented in class. The SI tutor helps students discover
appropriate study strategies as the review content material.
Does
a professor teach SI?
No. Students work with an SI tutor from the Learning Center. SI tutors are
students at SUNY Fredonia who have been selected and trained to be members
of the College Tutoring Service. Your tutor will have already taken the course
and may be a major in the discipline.
Is
SI mandatory? Do I have to go every week?
No. Students in the course attend SI on a voluntary basis. Many students attend
every week, but the choice is yours. Research has shown that even one SI session
can make a difference in your understanding of the course.
Will
my professor know that I go to the SI sessions?
Only if you tell him or her. You will be asked to sign in at each session,
but this is for statistical assessment purposes only.
SI
is scheduled during a time I can't make it. What can I do?
The Learning Center has regular drop-in tutoring hours during the semester.
Go to the College
Tutoring Service (CTS) page to review the current schedule.
Do
all sections of a course have SI?
No. Only sections where the professor is sponsoring an SI tutor and where one
is available. SI tutors will introduce themselves to the appropriate section
during the first weeks of classes. You can also contact the Learning Center
or Academic Advising to see which courses and sections have SI. This list will
change from semester to semester.
Will
SI help me?
We think so. SI is designed to increase your understanding of the basic concepts
of the course. It will not, however, substitute for your going to class, going
to see your instructor during office hours and studying. Research has shown
that attending just one SI sessions can make a difference in your understanding
of the course, and subsequently, on your exam performance.
How/When
can I sign-up for SI?
To be sure you are registered in the course and specific section that will
have SI, contact the Office of Academic Advising (673-3188) or the Learning
Center during advising week.
Will
the same course have SI next semester?
Possibly, but the list changes from semester to semester depending on the availability
of SI tutors and the request of professors. Contact the Learning Center for
next semester's schedule.
How
does SI differ from GSS (Guided Study Session)
A comparison of SI and GSS can be reviewed here.