The Supplemental Instruction (SI) program provides peer-facilitated study sessions for traditionally difficult courses. These sessions are led by a qualified  ARC scholar who has previously taken and exceeded in a given course. The scholars also attends all lectures with students. The peer-facilitated study sessions are regularly scheduled informal review sessions where students can ask questions, compare notes, discuss readings, and work through example problems.  Sessions meet twice a week for 50 minutes.

The SI program is for all students enrolled in a course. Students who participate will learn how to learn while learning what to learn, work collaboratively with peer students in a facilitated environment, and receive support from a qualified SI leader.

Current Supplemental Instruction Scholar Sessions

How SI Works

You and your classmates compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying the subject, and test yourselves before your professor does.

An SI leader – a student who previously excelled in the course and completed training in group facilitation techniques – guides you through course concepts.Your leader won't lecture or give you class notes. However, your leader will improve your learning by:

• Sharing strategies for success in the course.
• Showing methods to make good use of your study time.
• Helping put concepts together so you see an overall perspective.

Is SI Another Lecture Period?

No. SI is a discussion group which gives everyone a chance to participate. The SI leader does not lecture or re-teach the subject matter. Instead, everyone contributes their knowledge and helps each other.

The professor is not present at sessions.

Do I Need to Prepare for SI?

There are no extra assignments. It helps, however, to have attempted the homework or done the reading before you come to as SI session. Doing this lets you bring questions and get the specific help you need.

When is SI Held?

The SI leader distributes a survey during the second week of class. SI sessions are scheduled at times that are best for the majority of students.

Times for SI sessions will be established at the beginning of the semester.

*On rare occasions, SI session times and locations change. To verify when an SI session is scheduled for a particular class during the current semester, call Hassan at 312.567.7980.

Why Should I Participate?

We urge all students in supported classes to attend SI sessions, whether you're struggling or not. Many students who attend SI are excellent students who want to work toward a higher grade or understand the material more thoroughly.

Does SI Really Help?

Yes! The U.S. Department of Education found Supplemental Instruction to be highly effective. Studies at several institutions have shown that students who participate in SI earn higher final course grades than students who do not.

Students participating in SI persist at the institution (re-enrolling and graduating) at higher rates than students who do not participate in SI.7426

Can I join the SI Session remotely?

Yes! All sessions in the WH-119 can be joined through Equil. The SI ARC Scholar will email you the link to join the session. You may view the recorded SI Session videos under Reviews and Workshops.

ARC SI Program Survey

The Acadmic Resource Center would like to hear from you about the SI program at Illinois Tech. Please complete this survey: ARC Email Survey.

Current Supplemental Instruction Scholar Sessions