Math Supplemental Instruction
What is Math Supplemental Instruction?
Math supplemental instruction is an academic support program that targets historically difficult math courses required for graduation. Students who attend supplemental instruction (SI) sessions are given the opportunity to develop essential academic and learning skills that can increase their understanding and possibly raise their course grade.
How does Math Supplemental Instruction work?
SI sessions are regularly scheduled out-of-class meetings open to all students enrolled in a targeted class. Attendance is voluntary** and has no direct effect on the grade given by the class instructor. An SI Leader is present at each session to provide guidance and knowledge while maintaining structure throughout the session. The sessions are small to ensure proper consideration to those that attend.
** Attendance at SI sessions offered in Math 0950 and Math 0990 taught by Susan Peterson is NOT voluntary. For these specific developmental classes, supplemental instruction is required and will affect each student’s grade.
What is an SI Leader?
SI Leaders are students who have previously and successfully completed the targeted course. They are usually Math or Math Ed Majors with strong communication and presentation skills. The SI Leaders will present an appropriate model of critical thinking, organization, and mastery of the content. They do not lecture; rather they direct collaborative learning exercises that encourage the students to take responsibility for processing the course material.
How is SI different than attending class?
SI sessions are intended to be a structured study session rather than a planned lesson. SI sessions should never be attended to replace a missed class. The instructor for the class provides the information needed to learn the material where as SI sessions help students understand and apply the material.
How much does SI cost?
Nothing! The SI sessions are provided free to all SUU students by Tutoring and Learning Assistance (part of University College) and the Math Department.
Who should attend SI sessions?
Students who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the math course content and would like to raise their math grade should attend the SI sessions. This program was developed by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. It has been ongoing for more than 30 years and the data shows a positive effect on students. Fewer students are failing or withdrawing from classes for which SI is offered, and students’ grades are increasing.
When are the sessions held?
The dates and times for each session will be decided following a class survey. This survey will be used to schedule dates and times that will be most convenient for those students interested in SI sessions. On the first day of class, the SI Leader will be introduced and students will fill out the survey. A suitable schedule will be decided and announced in class. SI sessions usually start the second week of classes.
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