Introduction to SI

Rania Murr
July 2014
The Goal of SI
The goal of SI is to help students become independent
learners; objectives of such are to:

Increase the As, Bs, and Cs within targeted historically
challenging classes

Reduce the Ds, Fs, and Ws within targeted historically
challenging classes

Ultimately improve the graduation rates at USF


The Aims of SI
With regular attendance, SI aims to help students improve
their class standing by one-half to one full letter grade. To
accomplish this, SI helps students to:
Understand and plan for the demand of college-level
courses
Gain problem-solving experience through trial and error
Become more actively involved in the course
Develop more effective study skills
Understand what to learn and how to learn
Develop transferable study skills


Structure and Method of SI Operation

How are Courses Picked for SI ?

Historically challenging courses are identified simply by
virtue of their high rate of unsuccessful completions (Ds, Fs,
and Ws).
Over time these courses have demonstrated their difficulty
regardless of the faculty who teach them or the material
that is used
Structure and Method of SI Operation

How is SI Different from other academic support
programs?

SI focuses on high-risk classes not high-risk students.

No group or individual students are singled out, stigmatized,
or made to feel incapable and needing special

SI does not follow a deficit approach; it is pro-active and
preventative rather than reactive and remedial.


How does Supplemental Instruction Differ from
Tutoring?
Tutoring Supplemental Instruction
Focus Center on a particular subject

Supports a specific course

Group Size Usually one-on-one

Group Sessions
Approval Requires instructors recommendation Requires faculty recommendations and
instructors approval
Attendance Class attendance is not required Mandatory class attendance for SI Leaders
Location Held in department offices, satellites, or
learning center
Held in individual classrooms
Instructional Mode Students explain where they are in the
lectures and what course material they
would like to tackle

SI Leader prepares material in advance and
implements session plans that follow the
course lectures

How is an SI Leader Different from a GA or TA?
key persons involved in SI