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hat is Supplemental Instruction?

Supplemental Instruction (SI), created at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a non-remedial approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn.” SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions driven by students’ needs. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer interaction in small groups. SI is implemented in high-risk courses in consultation with academic staff and is supported and evaluated by a trained supervisor.

The SI Leader for each course attends all class sessions alongside current students and creates weekly session plans based on the content covered that week. Oftentimes faculty share what students seem to be struggling the most with so that SI Leaders are able to incorporate that content into sessions. In sessions, the SI Leader models good study strategies and shows students how to successfully master course material. SI sessions focus on HOW to learn and WHAT to learn. Each 50-minute session includes an introduction, main, and closing activity, each focusing on collaborative review.

Students who attend Supplemental Instruction typically earn higher course grades and drop their courses less often than non-Supplemental Instruction participants. Research indicates that regular Supplemental Instruction participants average one-half to a full letter grade higher than non-participants; plus, they receive more A and B grades and fewer D, F, and W grades. SI has been certified by the Department of Education as a program proven to increase retention. We recommend attending one session weekly to see the greatest benefit.

We offer Supplemental Instruction for 100 and 200 level courses with high attrition rates (25% or more of enrollees typically earn grades of D, F, or withdraw). During a typical semester, SI supports students enrolled in BIOL 111/112/221/222, CHEM 111/112, PHIL120, PSYC 213/214, and DSCI232.