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Supplemental Instruction (SI)

     Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides a completely free opportunity for students to participate in regularly scheduled study groups. In safe and inclusive spaces, student SI Leaders guide students through challenging content from the class they are assigned to. SI Leaders help students focus their study time as well as develop strong study skills to make studying more effective and time efficient. SI offers a truly unique way for students to develop better study habits, create bonds among classmates, and review the most difficult course content in an exciting and fun way!

Supplemental Instruction, created at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1973, supports student success by integrating “what to learn” (course content) with “how to earn” in out-of-class group study sessions facilitated by peer SI Leaders.  The MSJC SI Program, which began in 2006, earned accreditation from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction in 2018 and again in 2021. Accreditation endorses the MSJC SI Program’s commitment to the core principles of the SI Model. Currently, there are only twelve institutions in California with accredited SI Programs!

Traditionally, SI at MSJC has been a face-to-face endeavor. However, over the years, efforts have been made to support online courses.  SI at MSJC is currently offering SI sessions to historically difficult courses both online and face-to-face. 

SI involves three cohorts of students:  the student SI Leader, the student SI Mentor, and the students enrolled in an SI supported course.

Learning Outcomes (SI Leaders)

  • The SI Leader will communicate clearly and effectively with SI Students in session.
  • The SI Leader will communicate in written form with clarity and precision.
  • The SI Leader will encourage curiosity and appreciation for diverse thought and expression.
  • The SI Leader will create SI Sessions as spaces that area safe and inclusive.
  • The SI Leader will use creativity and innovation.
  • The SI Leader will gather data through all senses.
  • The SI Leader will participate and engage in continuous learning.
  • The SI Leader will practice learned knowledge continuously.
  • The SI Leader will utilize Habits of Mind as effective strategies to navigate challenging situations.
  • The SI Leader will create an environment that support student connectedness as a strategy to persist.

Learning Outcomes (SI Mentor)

  • The SI Mentor will communicate clearly and effectively with SI Program peers (other SI Mentors and SI Leaders.)
  • The SI Mentor will foster collaboration and engagement among the SI Leaders and SI Mentors.
  • The SI Mentor will be responsive to the needs of a diverse group of mentees.
  • The SI Mentor will demonstrate validation of feelings, opinions, and contributions of others.
  • The SI Mentor will use creativity and innovation to effectively mentor Leaders outside their discipline.
  • The SI Mentor will gather data through all senses.
  • The SI Mentor will participate and engage in continuous learning.
  • The SI Mentor will practice learned knowledge continuously.
  • The SI Mentor will utilize Habits of Mind as effective strategies to navigate challenging situations.
  • The SI Mentor will develop a comfortable environment to support persistence.

Learning Outcomes (SI Students)

  • The SI Student will feel confident communicating with their SI Instructor with clarity and precision.
  • The SI Student will be able to work with and learn from other students in SI Sessions.
  • The SI Student will value learning opportunities in a diverse environment.
  • The SI Student will listen/consider others’ perspectives.
  • The SI Student will embrace creative activities to enhance understanding.
  • The SI Student will gather data through all senses to enhance understanding.
  • SI Student will learn continuously.
  • SI Student will recognize collaboration with peers as an effective work habit.
  • The SI Student will learn Habits of Mind as effective strategies to navigate challenging situations.
  • The SI Student will recognize SI as a valuable resource to learn strategies and skills to support their persistence.
  • The SI Student will recognize SI as a place to make meaningful connections to support their academic journey.

Students interested in working as an SI Leader can contact SI Coordinator, Kathalena Rios at krios@msjc.edu.  For additional information, visit:  Supplemental Instruction.