Student Success and Life

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

An Achieving the Dream Initiative

The Achieving the Dream Initiative is a national effort aimed at helping community college students succeed. Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an important part of the Achieving the Dream initiative at Delaware County Community College. 

Many students experience difficulties understanding the material in required courses such as mathematics, English, and reading. SI sessions are designed to help students develop skills that will allow them to be successful in these courses. Students who attend the SI sessions will take part in extra activities directly related to the class subject. These activities will help students to become better listeners, note-takers and test-takers, and will also reinforce their good study habits.

Students who think they might benefit by participating in an SI section should get in touch with their academic advisor or counselor or with the Director of Supplemental Learning (contact information is listed on the right). Students who have low placements scores, who are repeating a particular course, who are advancing from a lower-level course, or who have been away from school for an extended period of time should discuss and consider SI as an option.

One of the most distinct benefits of Supplemental Instruction is that students learn from successful mathematics  students who themselves have had similar difficulties, helping to eliminate the frustrations that might have interfered with previous learning experiences. If you have anxiety about succeeding in your math, English or reading class, talk to a counselor. We are here to help!

• What is Supplemental Instruction?
• Who should sign up for a SI designated class?
• Is SI tutoring?
• Is the SI leader another professor?
• Is SI mandatory?
• What do we do in SI?
• How do I sign up for an SI section?
• How do I become an SI Leader?

What is Supplemental Instruction?

Some required classes are more difficult than others. At the College, these classes have been recognized as barriers to some students. As a result, SI has been adopted to help students succeed in these vital areas.

In SI sections, students attend additional sessions that are led by those who have already successfully completed the course. They know the demands of the course, and are able to help other students integrate the "what to learn" with "how to learn."

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Who should sign up for a SI designated class?

The following students tend to benefit most from SI designated sections, although all are welcome to join:

• Those with lower placement test scores
• Those repeating a particular course
• Individuals coming from a lower-level sequenced course (for example, a student completing MAT 040 and is enrolling in MAT 060)
• Those who have been away from school for a long period of time

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Is SI tutoring?

SI is NOT the same thing as tutoring. In tutoring, a tutor works one-on-one with a student to reiterate the material taught by the professor.  In SI, a peer (another student), called the SI Leader, facilitates the session and integrates the “what to learn” with the “how to learn.”  For example, the SI leader may plan a session concerning equations and note-taking combined.  These skills help students master the material as a class group, while learning skills that can be generalized or used in other classes.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SI leader another professor?

The SI leader is a peer facilitator, meaning that he or she is a fellow student: the facilitator has already successfully completed the course. The SI leader does not teach any material, but leads sessions in order to help students become more resourceful in their own learning. The SI leader gets his or her position by being highly recommended by a professor and undergoes a two-day intensive training in SI. SI leaders also participate in monthly training and meet with the Director of Supplemental Learning Programs weekly.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

Is SI mandatory?

Students that register for an SI course are required to attend SI meetings just as they are required to complete their homework. Students are expected to attend all SI sessions as they do the course. Attendance is taken during all SI sessions. If you sign up for an SI designated course and cannot attend every SI session, you must drop the class and register for another section that is non-SI designated.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do in SI?

SI leaders come prepared to each session with an activity that integrates the “what to learn,” or the content being covered in the course at present, with the “how to learn,” which are study skills, reflections, organizational strategies, and more. At times, there are homework opportunities during the SI session to reinforce strategies and make students more confident before assignments and exams.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for an SI section?

To sign up for an SI designated section, talk to your advisor or counselor, or visit the Director of Supplemental Learning Programs (contact information is listed on the left).

Back to Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an SI Leader?

SI leaders are hired according to experience, and professor recommendation.  In addition, interested students must present the Director of Supplemental Learning Programs with a resume and letter of interest. At the beginning of registration each semester, a list of available sections is sent to all selected applicants. Interested students should send materials to the Director of Supplemental Learning at the email listed above. Please specify the discipline you are interested in.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions