Supplemental Instruction

Have you ever wished you could do something over, knowing what you know now? Although it's impossible to turn back time, current students in select chemistry courses can benefit from the wisdom and insight of someone who has already navigated course material, assignments, and exams.

Supplemental Instruction leaders are students who have completed your course with a high grade and have been trained in group-facilitation techniques. They are eager to guide you through the course content and share what they have learned about studying effectively for the course. They will also be present in every class period with you, taking notes and listening closely to the professor.

At each SI session, your leader will guide you through course concepts. Your leader will not repeat class lectures, give out lecture notes, or do your homework or your thinking for you.

Your leader will share successful study strategies for the course, helping you to make good use of your study time. After all, you have to study anyway. You might as well do it with friends so that you can share your knowledge and figure out things together, right? Your leader's job is to help you think about the lectures you've heard and the books you've read, make connections among the material, and then put the concepts into perspective so you can learn more efficiently.

If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you'll earn a better grade. Research shows that students who attend SI sessions regularly average one-half to one full letter grade higher than their classmates who choose not to attend. When you attend SI, you'll develop a better understanding of course content, as well as more effective ways of studying. Hopefully, you'll make a few new friends, too!

SI sessions will begin during the second week of classes. Remember, the secret of success is to study proactively—don't wait until the night before the test. Since you have to study anyway, why not attend SI sessions and make efficient use of your study time? Your SI leader will keep you informed about meeting times and locations.

SI sessions cost nothing except for your time—assistance is free. Come as often as you like. Keep this in mind, though: the statistics show that the more sessions you attend, the better your final grade will likely be.

During the first week of classes, your SI leader will make an announcement. You will fill out a short survey to inform the leader of your class schedule. Please bring your official schedule of classes with you to the first class period so that you will be able to complete the survey accurately. Each leader will set up three review sessions a week at times that are best for the majority of the class. You can attend as many of the sessions as you wish; each one will be different because you'll have new material to discuss. SI sessions are informal. Bring your notes, your textbook, and your questions.