Supplemental Instruction

Welcome to Supplemental Instruction!! 

LOCATE YOUR SI SESSIONS HERE

Welcome to SI@MTSU!  This is your official MTSU source for all things related to Supplemental Instruction (SI), a service brought to you by the MTSU Office of Student Success.  Please feel free to browse our various sections of content, FAQs, and videos from peer institutions, and be sure to locate your course section’s scheduled SI sessions by clicking the link above.  We hope to see you at SI soon!

SI is a peer-assisted, group study and discussion methodology that uses regularly scheduled, informal SI sessions to help students develop greater understanding of challenging content, refine study skills, and better integrate course material into their work and lives.  SI targets historically challenging courses, and SI leaders coordinate sessions in which students work together to immerse themselves in lecture material and content at a level over and above what is possible in traditional class meetings.  These sessions are great ways for students to explore challenging concepts or ideas; review and analyze class notes; deconstruct and discuss difficult reading assignments; learn test-taking strategies; and review for exams.  SI leaders are embedded in the courses in which they are responsible for leading group study sessions, and have typically performed at a very high level in those courses.  In short, SI leaders are in many ways just like you.  They have already completed your course and are eager to share their experiences and expertise with you!

  • First and foremost, because they work!  It is not uncommon for SI participants to score a half to full letter grade higher than non-participants, depending on their attendance and on the course.  
  • Through informal seminars, SI not only helps students with course material.  It also helps students develop the skills that they need to further their work at MTSU as successful and self-sufficient students.
  • SI gives you exclusive access to professionally trained SI leaders in group discussion and review sessions, where you can enhance your understanding of assigned material, practice course content, and develop skill-sets to support your long-term success at MTSU.
  • There is no long-term commitment or special forms required!  Attend as many or as few sessions as you wish, or as you need them.  Regular attendance is encouraged since what you get out of SI tends to correlate with the time and effort that you put into your participation.  So attend weekly, or just attend as your exams approach!
  • SI is voluntary and offered by the Office of Student Success FREE of charge to students enrolled in Supplemental Instruction courses.  All that is required of you is your time, effort, enthusiasm, and participation.

  • Enjoy and immerse yourself in the learning process, the lifeblood of the university.
  • Typically higher course grades and better long-term student success, according to data from partner universities and the International Center for Supplemental Instruction, and various other research studies.
  • Meet new and interesting people, and increase your involvement in and connection to the MTSU campus (another important element of student success, more generally).
  • Learn and embrace valuable learning and analytical skills through directed exercises and discussion with your professional SI leader and your classmates.

TESTIMONIES

“Supplemental Instruction (SI) has been extremely useful and crucial to my academic success. SI leaders are students who have previously taken the course and excelled, and they’re there to help you succeed, too. They offer helpful study tips, create personalized lesson plans, and break down tough concepts in a way that makes sense. If you’re looking for one-on-one support, SI sessions are definitely the way to go. In my experience, SI has never been unhelpful—there’s always something to gain and learn.”

“Helped me pass chem with flying colors!”

“My SI leader was an amazing SI this semester. She was helpful, encouraging, and helped students step out of their comfort zone while learning. I developed a clear and well-rounded understanding of concepts after attending each session. She helped us combine dense lecture material into simple concept maps/diagrams. She also made practice tests and Kahoots that increased confidence and understanding before exams. 10/10!”

SI Leaders

“Kara is the supplemental instructor for my Calculus 1 class. This is my second time taking calculus, so I knew this semester I really had to focus to grasp the difficult concepts. Kara made this so much easier for me due to his patience and knowledge. He holds tutoring sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I try to go to every one because I know he will help me deepen my understanding outside the quick pace of class. I currently have an A in Calculus and feel much more confident in the subject due to Kara’s guidance and teaching. Being an SI leader has been a really meaningful experience for me. It has helped me grow in confidence and improve my communication skills while working with students. I’ve learned how to explain concepts more clearly and adapt to different learning styles. It’s also been rewarding to see students improve and feel more comfortable with the material. Overall, it has made me a more patient and supportive leader.” 

“Conner is the supplemental instructor for the History of the Recording Industry. “Being an SI leader has been one of the greatest gifts of being at MTSU. As a SI leader, I’ve not only been able to build wonderful connections between faculty and the students I get the pleasure of helping succeed, but also deepen my connection to and understanding of the course material. The joy and fulfillment I receive from being an SI is incredible. The opportunity to help my fellow students succeed in their academic careers while also advancing my own is something I will always hold dear. It is always great to have students return to an SI session, noting that they received a 100 and believe that it was because of attending the SI session.”

“Even if I have not been an SI Leader for very long, it has allowed me to share my knowledge with others in a unique way and expand it as well. Being an SI has helped me grow both academically and personally by helping me strengthen my knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. SI has also built my confidence in the area of professionalism, as this is my first job, and it has really helped me feel more comfortable in a workplace setting. Most importantly, SI has helped me feel fulfilled as I get to help others succeed.” (Ryann Samons). 

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