What is Supplemental Instruction?

 

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a service offered to students taking high-risk courses at Oregon State University. The program offers study tables in these targeted courses--usually Math 111, 112, 241, and 251, in addition to the Zoology 33X series, the Biology 21X series, and the Chemistry 20X series, although availability varies from term to term.

SI sessions integrate how-to-learn with what-to-learn. Attending SI sessions will help you develop study strategies for note taking, graphic organization, questioning techniques, vocabulary acquisition, and test preparation as you review course material. When you attend study tables, you'll have the opportunity to become actively involved with your classmates as you process the text, supplementary readings, and lecture notes.

Statistics show that students who attend and engage consistently in SI (attending at least five sessions per term) earn exam grades that are one half to a full letter grade higher than students who attend less frequently or not at all. Course grades also have been shown to be higher for those who attend SI regularly, on average one-fifth to a full letter grade higher than for those who don't attend.

Supported Courses Spring 2013:

Other Supported Courses (availability varies by term):

If you are interested in joining a study table, please visit the Registration Site to see information on how to register, a list of supported courses, and our attendance policy.

Becoming a Supplemental Instruction Leader

What's an SI Leader?  How Can I Become a SI Leader?

SI Leaders

SI Leaders serve as the peer facilitators for SI sessions.

SI Leaders attend all lectures, take notes, read all assigned material, and conduct regularly scheduled study table sessions each week.

SI Leaders assist students with critical thinking, organization, and competence in the discipline.

All SI Leaders attend an intensive training session that addresses student learning as well as facilitation strategies for strengthening student academic performance.


Key Elements


•    SI targets high-risk courses, like Math 111 and Zoology 331, rather than "at-risk" students.
•    Participation in the SI program is voluntary and open to any student in the course.
•    SI helps students develop essential academic and learning skills in core curriculum courses.
•    SI Leaders attend all lectures for the targeted course.
•    SI Leaders are trained in learning theory and techniques for enhancing collaborative peer work.
•    The SI program is supervised by a trained professional faculty member.

 

How much time does it take?

Most SI Leaders work 10 hours per week.  This time includes attending course lectures (approx. 3 hrs.), participating in weekly training meetings (1 hr.), preparing for study sessions (1 hr.), and leading study sessions (4-6  hrs.).  Study session times and training meetings adjust each term to meet the SI Leader's availability due to variations in course schedules and other commitments.

 

What are the qualifications for becoming a SI Leader?

  • SI Leaders are traditionally undergraduate students, though some are recent graduates or graduate students.  Junior or senior standing is preferred; second-term freshman is the usual minimum. 
  • A GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) is required; also, prior enrollment with the course is preferred.  GPA of 2.9 or lower will be considered if GPA score is due to transfer credits.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (to be determined by the SI Coordinator) are required.
  • SI Leaders are hired for a one-term minimum, with the expectation that they will remain in the position throughout the academic year.  At the discretion of SI administrators, expections are made for special circumstances, such as internships, study abroad, etc.
  • SI Leaders must be able to commit 8-10 hours per week to the position; they must commit to attending and leading all study sessions for which the are scheduled each term (except in the case of illness or other unforeseeable difficulty).

How do I apply?

When the program is hiring for SI Leaders, a job posting will be listed on Beaver JobNet.  SI does not accept applications unless a job is posted. Application materials include a cover letter detailing how you meet the job requirements, a resume, and an unofficial transcript.  Contact Supplemental Instruction Coordinator Marjorie Coffey, Marjorie.Coffey@oregonstate.edu, with questions about applying for positions.