Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an approach to learning that supports students toward academic success by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn.” SI consists of regularly scheduled, voluntary, out-of-class group study sessions driven by students’ needs. Sessions are facilitated by trained peer leaders and are implemented in high-risk courses.

By targeting historically difficult courses, SI increases student performance and retention. SI study sessions are informal seminars in which students review notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and prepare for examinations. Students learn how to integrate course content with reasoning and study skills.

Spring 2026 SI Classes

The classes that will have Supplemental Instruction for Spring 2026 are:

College of Business Courses

ACC 215 Section 203
FIN 323 Section 203

College of Liberal Arts Courses

PSY 201 Sections 202, 203

College of Science Courses

BSC 120 Sections 201, 202
BSC 227 Section 201
BSC 228 Sections 201, 203
CHM 111 Sections 201, 202, 203
CHM 205 Sections 201, 202
CHM 211 Sections 201, 202, 204
CHM 212 Section 201
CHM 355 Section 202
MTH 127 Section 203
MTH 229 Section 202

Frequently Asked Questions

SI leaders are students themselves who have taken the class before and earned a high grade in the course. Faculty typically recommends the leaders who facilitate the SI sessions. SI leaders are prepared to share with students how to effectively study for the course. SI leaders attend the same class every day, taking notes and listening closely to the professor. The SI coordinating team trains them in how to be effective facilitators and receive ongoing supervision.

At each session, the SI leader will guide the students through the course concepts. SI leaders will help students make good use of their time and share the strategies he or she used to be successful in the course. SI leaders will not re-lecture, give out copies of his or her notes, help students with assigned homework, or encourage last minute test cramming.

Students who attend SI sessions statistically earn better grades. Research shows that students regularly average one half to one full letter grade higher than their classmates who choose not to attend. Students are also able to transfer the skills they learn to other classes that do not offer SI support.

SI sessions start the first week of classes. Our data shows that coming to SI regularly and starting early in the semester results in the greatest benefits for students.

Nothing, SI is FREE!

Information for SI Leaders

We provide a password protected site for our SI Leaders to access important resources to use for your planning and performing sessions! If you do have forgotten the password or need assistance, please email Jay Rader at rader4@marshall.edu.
SI Leaders Login