Our Mission

The mission of Utah Tech University’s Supplemental Instruction Program is to improve student success and retention in the “traditionally difficult” courses, while aiding students in becoming higher level thinkers and self empowered learners. The program aims to provide students with peer facilitated group study sessions. These sessions aim to enhance student comprehension of course content and expose them to valuable study skills.

 

Components of Supplemental Instruction

An Supplemental Instruction course takes a standard class and enhances it with interactive support to help students succeed!
1

Lecture

Students enrolled in Supplemental Instruction (SI) courses learn the same content as their peers in on-SI courses. However, the key difference lies in the addition of an extra class period that is designed to support students’ success. This extra class period is called an SI session.

2

SI Sessions

SI sessions are 50 minute group study session designed to complement students’ regular lecture periods. Attendance at these sessions is required, and students earn points for participating. SI sessions are not repeats of lecture or presentations of new material. Instead, they focus on reviewing and reinforcing concepts already introduced in class. SI sessions are engaging, collaborative, and student centered. They create a comfortable, safe space for all participants to ask questions and work through challenging content. Hands on activities encourage active involvement and help students connect with their peers.

SI sessions are facilitated by current Utah Tech undergraduate students who are academically successful in the subject. They are referred to as SI leaders. SI leaders tailor the sessions to the needs of students, ensuring they receive support where they need it. They consistently communicate with the professor of the course to ensure students will be prepared for upcoming tests and assignments.

By using collaborative learning techniques, SI sessions encourage critical thinking and group discussion. This approach allows students to actively explore the course material, solve problems together, and make meaningful connection to the course content. In SI sessions, students are empowered to discover solutions and deepen their understanding on their own terms.

3

Access to Additional Tutoring

Students in SI courses benefit from an additional two hours of tutoring each week with their SI leader. These tutoring hours provide personalized, one-on-one support to students who want it.

Whether students need help understanding a tricky concepts, guidance on an assignment, or even a study partner, their SI leader is there to provide assistance. This added resource ensures that students have the support they need to succeed.


STRUCTURED COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT

Do you want to enroll in a SI course?

FAQ's

Do SI courses count towards graduation?

Yes they do. The content taught in SI courses is the EXACT same as a traditional Utah Tech courses. The only difference is the extra active learning component.

How do I sign up for a SI course?

To register for an SI course, it is the same process as traditional registration. Visit my.utahtech.edu and search for classes that include “Supplemental Instruction” as the instruction type.

Check out our current SI course!

Who can take SI courses?

Anyone is welcome to register for an SI course! The courses we currently offer are lower division but we are working to expand our selection.

What is an SI Leader?

An SI leader is a near-peer who has successfully completed the course with an A grade. SI leaders are responsible for facilitating the weekly SI sessions. They receive training on guiding collaborative group study sessions. To be prepared for the weekly sessions, SI leaders attend course lectures, take thorough notes, stay up to date on assigned materials and assignments, and communicate with their respective professor.  SI leaders plan and use a variety of teaching and learning methods within the SI session to help students with study skills and course subject matter.

Meet Our SI Leaders!