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Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction is a nationally renowned academic support program that specifically targets challenging courses. Students enrolled in courses that have supplemental instruction are able to attend two 50-minute sessions each week of the semester. Sessions are voluntary, confidential and free. There is no sign-up necessary -- students simply show up to as many sessions as they like throughout the semester. Students who participate in supplemental instruction on a regular basis often have a better understanding of difficult material, better test outcomes and higher course grades.

Supplemental Instruction sessions are meant to be interactive, collaborative and holistic. This means students who attend shouldn't come to a session expecting a "typical class." Students do not spend time in the sessions being passive recipients to a lecture -- instead they are asked to synthesize, analyze and apply class concepts during the actual sessions. Sessions often involve: preparing for exams through practice questions/quizzes, comparing and reviewing notes or the most important parts of the lectures, discussing and developing strategies to best learn material and playing fun, interactive games. We believe that students learn best through actively collaborating and engaging with course material and each other.

Supplemental Instruction sessions are led by two students who have taken and excelled in the course. These students are nominated by the professor as someone who demonstrates leadership potential and strong academic abilities. They are then vetted and trained by Learning Center/Writing Studio personnel before starting their sessions. The leaders are taught to facilitate learning, not to re-lecture course material. They aim to be model students, demonstrating successful study strategies for many of SXU's STEM courses. Lastly, they have good working relationships with the instructors of the course, who provide guidance over the sessions and often give the leaders useful study materials, like past exams and study guides.

Supplemental Instruction is found in our biology and chemistry courses.

Fall 2020

Course Title Day/Time Instructor Location
CHEM 109:
Gen. Organic and Bio-Chemistry 		Mondays and Thursdays
1 - 2 p.m. 		Dr. Huang Check email for Google Meet link
CHEM 111:
General Chemistry I 		Tuesdays
9 - 10 a.m. 		Dr. Alappat and Dr. Pearce Check email for Zoom link
CHEM 251:
Organic Chemistry 		Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 		Dr. Kiddle Check email for Zoom link

 

You can always stop by the Learning Center/Writing Studio to discuss the courses that have supplemental instruction, along with the dates and locations or email learningcenter@sxu.edu. The leaders also make announcements throughout the semester regarding the dates, times and locations of the sessions.

If you cannot attend the sessions for your class or need more attention outside of the session, the Learning Center/Writing Studio have tutors ready to help -- even for courses that have supplemental instruction. Tutoring occurs in small groups, so you can be sure that you will receive more individualized attention. Learn more about tutoring or schedule a tutoring appointment today.