SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI) PROGRAM

What is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students enrolled in selected courses. At El Camino College and other institutions of higher learning throughout the country, the SI method has been proven to help increase student understanding of course material and raise grades.

Attendance at SI sessions is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. Students have an opportunity to compare notes, discuss important concepts, and  take practice tests before taking the graded exam. Students will also increase their strategies for test-taking, studying and learning.

An SI Coach facilitates the SI sessions. The Coach is a student who has a high level of verified course knowledge and is trained in group facilitation. 

What's in it for you, the student?

If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are much higher that you will earn a better grade than if you did not attend. You will develop a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways to learn the course material. This will help you to be a more successful learner in your other classes as well. Through attending SI sessions you can also develop friendships with your peers and have a stronger connection to the El Camino College community.

What can you expect from your SI Coach?

The SI Coach...

• Is a peer and attends class alongwith the students
• Is trained in the most effective learning, study, and group facilitation strategies
• Relays tips on the most effective study skills
• Integrates 'how to learn' with 'what to learn' in SI classes
• Provides leadership to the SI session
• Is a facilitator for the grade-raising collaborative learning strategies
• Models critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
• Empowers students to become independent learners

What have students said about their SI experience?

• "The SI sessions helped me to understand the class material much better, which showed on my performance on exams. I think anyone who has not taken advantage of SI workshops is missing out on a great opportunity."
• "SI gave me the opportunity to review the main points without any confusion. It definitely helped me to get a higher grade than I was expecting."
• "The SI program helped me immensely. I achieved more than I imagined. It helped to hear the lectures in class, take notes, and then go to SI sessions. Then when I studied on my own, it was a lot easier to understand the class material. I did well in class because of the SI sessions."

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HOW TO ENROLL IN AN SI SUPPORTED COURSE:

Step 1: Download the SI schedule.

Step 2: Review the left-hand side of the SI schedule to find the course and section you want to enroll in.

Step 3: On the right-hand side of the SI schedule, locate the SI Sessions days and times that correspond with the course you need to enroll in. Leave time on your schedule for these SI sessions.

VERY IMPOPRTANT!

IT IS NECESSARY THAT YOU LEAVE 30-50 MINUTES OPEN IN YOUR SCHEDULE IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE SI SESSIONS.  Sessions take place right before the SI supported class begins or right after the SI supported class ends.

Step 4: Enroll in the selected course section. Remember not to schedule anything during the SI Sessions days and times.  Doing so will nullify the intended benefit of enrolling into an SI supported section.  If you do not plan to or cannot attend the SI sessions, please try to enroll in a different course section so that students who do plan to attend the SI sessions can register into the SI supported course section.