SI sessions incorporate a reflective approach to learning. The SI Leader models the thinking of a successful student, one who goes beyond recall and recognition of information. At appropriate times, the SI Leader thinks out loud, verbalizing the process of thinking and problem-solving specific to the material in the course. While listening to the SI Leader reflect and talk through an idea or problem, students see that concepts do not magically appear, but rather that they are constructed. As SI Leaders model their own thinking and demystify the process, students begin to understand the usefulness of processing information in contrast to memorizing series of facts.
Reflective students learn to approach material more systematically.
Through questioning, SI Leaders further emphasize process rather than product. They help students recognize what questions mean or answers imply by farming questions that require thoughtful consideration rather than one-word recall. Students find their underdeveloped answers challenged. Leaders often redirect questions back to the group for further clarification or support. Students come to SI sessions with class notes that reflect varying degrees of skill in collecting information presented verbally.