Supplemental Instruction is a non-remedial academic assistance program that increases student retention through the use of collaborative learning techniques. Developed first at the University of Missouri - Kansas City, SI targets courses that are traditionally difficult for students to pass, and have high rates of Ds, Fs and withdrawals. SI is proactive rather than reactive.
SI begins the first week of class before students encounter academic problems.
SI leaders facilitate and encourage the group to process material rather than acting as a lecturer or teacher. SI leaders are key people. They are presented as model students of the subject - they attend classes, take notes, read assigned material and meet with the students three or more times a week to discuss material and answer questions regarding the material and key concepts. All SI leaders have successfully completed the course they are leading, usually with the same instructor. SI leaders participate in intensive two-day training session before the beginning of the academic term as well as sessions throughout the semester.