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Supplemental Instruction

Starting in Fall 2007, the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program was implemented at American University. It is a non-remedial approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating "what to learn" with "how to learn."

Supplemental instruction consists of FREE, weekly group tutoring sessions driven by students' needs. SI sessions are facilitated by trained SI Leaders who utilize collaborative activities to ensure peer-to-peer learning in small groups. Supplemental instruction supports historically difficult courses in consultation with academic staff and is managed and evaluated by the Student Academic Services team.

Who are SI Leaders?

  • SI Leaders are currently enrolled American University students who have excelled in the course they support in the SI Program. SI Leaders will guide students through problems and challenging concepts and provide opportunities for endless practice.

What do SI Leaders do?

  • SI Leaders are prepared to assist students with comprehending course material and share how to effectively study for the course. SI Leaders attend the same class sessions with the students, taking notes and listening closely to the professor.

What happens in SI sessions?

  • SI sessions are group study sessions where students can review course concepts, ask questions, go over practice problems with other students, and work together with their peers.
  • Even more, SI Leaders will share their successful study skills, help students with notes, and prepare for exams. In addition, SI Leaders work with students to develop or enhance key strategies for academic success, such as time management, critical reading, and how to set and achieve goals.

 

 

Fall 2024

The SI Program operates on a hybrid modality with in-person and online SI sessions based on student preferences, SI Leader availability, and enrollment size. Please review the available schedule of SI-supported courses and their accompanying SI sessions below.

Fall 2024 - SI Session Schedule

  • The SI session schedule will be updated regularly as session times and modalities are determined.

 

For additional information about the SI Program, please contact tutoring@american.edu.

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