Key Elements of SI Program

Hours of Operation | SIP Contact Information | Information for Faculty Members | Student Performance |
Need Assistance In Your Classes | UHD Writing Center | Description of SI Program |
SI Participants Student Profile | Key Elements of SI Program | History of SI Program | Employment

SI Overview

SI is an academic support program that utilizes peer assisted study sessions. SI targets historically difficult academic courses and offers to all enrolled students regularly scheduled, out-of-class, review sessions. SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and reasoning skills. The SI sessions are directed by "SI leaders," usually students who have previously and successfully taken the "high-risk" course and then sit through the course again. The SI leader acts as a model student of the discipline.

Distinguishing Characteristics

There are several key elements of SI that differentiate it from group tutoring and other forms of remedial and developmental education:

· SI identifies high-risk courses instead of high-risk students;

· SI provides a vehicle for developing essential academic skills in regular credit bearing courses;

· Participation in the SI program is voluntary and open to all students in the course;

· The SI leader attends all the lectures for the targeted course;

· The SI leader is trained in specific teaching/learning theory and techniques;

· The SI program is supervised by a trained professional staff member;

· The program is offered only in classes in which the faculty member invites and supports SI;

· Assistance begins during the first week of the term before students encounter academic problems;

· The SI leader facilitates and encourages the group to process the material rather than acting as an
2.authority figure, who lectures to participants.