Supplemental Instruction
What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a free peer-led program that can help you succeed in historically difficult courses.
Our guided study sessions encourage you to collaborate with other students while also teaching you what to learn and how to learn it. With each session, you'll develop your critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.
How does SI work?
SI Leaders—people who have previously done well in a course—act as role models in peer-assisted study sessions.
SI Leaders:
- Are trained to make group study sessions efficient and effective
- Work with specified faculty
- Attend all class lectures
- Take notes
SI sessions are regularly scheduled, informal review sessions in which you:
- Compare notes
- Discuss readings
- Develop organizational tools
- Predict test questions
- Learn how to learn while learning what to learn
What are the differences between SI and peer-tutoring?
| Supplemental Instruction (SI) | Peer-tutoring (PT) |
|---|---|
| 1 SI Leader works with a group of students. | 1 peer tutor works with 1 student at a time. |
| The SI Leader attends a section of the course or lab. | The peer tutor is not required to attend a section of the course. |
| The SI Leader works with a specified faculty member. | The peer tutor is not associated with 1 designated faculty member. |
| The SI Leader works with and is supervised by an SI Coordinator. | The peer tutor reports to a learning lab manager. |
| SI Leader training is more intense and long term. | Peer tutor training typically requires half a day. |
Why should I choose SI?
The main benefit for joining SI is higher average grades.
Students who participate in SI earn, on average, 1 letter grade higher than students who do not participate.
SI also prepares you for success in future courses by teaching you the study skills you need to finish your education at the top of your game.
Supported Courses and Study Sessions
Each campus offers a variety of courses supported by Supplemental Instruction.
Visit one of the links below to find available study sessions at your campus. All links will open in a new window.
- Northeast Campus Links to an external site.
- Northwest Campus Links to an external site.
- South Campus Links to an external site.
- Southeast Campus Links to an external site.
- Trinity River Campus Links to an external site.
- TCC Connect Campus Links to an external site.
How do I become an SI Leader for Connect Campus?
You may apply to be an SI Leader if you:
- Completed a targeted course with a B or better
- Earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Are outgoing and a natural leader among your peers
Apply by completing an employment application at TCC Job Opportunities. Search using the keywords “supplemental instruction.”
At Connect, all SI Sessions are held Online via Microsoft TEAMS. Click HERE Links to an external site. to see if one of your courses is supported this semester, to learn more about the SI Leaders, and to see the full schedule!
See you at the next SI Session!
More questions?
Contact your campus's SI coordinator.