Frequently Asked SI Questions
What is SI?
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SI is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades.
Attendance at sessions is voluntary. For you, the student, it’s a chance to get together with people in your class to compare notes, to discuss important concepts, to develop strategies for studying the subject, and to test yourselves before your professor does, so that when he/she does, you’ll be ready. At each session you will be guided through this material by your SI leader, a competent student who has previously taken the course.
How is SI different from tutoring?
SI and Tutoring are both academic assistant programs held by Kean University, but in different ways:
- Tutoring is a free 1-1 peer-facilitated academic assistance program offered in a wide range of undergraduate courses, and focuses on areas in which students most often experience difficulty, including introductory-level through senior-level courses via an appointment.
- SI is a free peer-facilitated academic assistance program designed to help students succeed in traditionally difficult courses. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions that involve collaborative learning activities through which students can clarify course concepts and practice different types of study strategies that will help them truly master the information and skills required by the target course.
What’s a SI leader?
Have you ever wished you could do something over, knowing what you know now? SI leaders are students themselves and are prepared to share with you what they have learned over the years about how to study. They know the course content and are anxious to help guide you through it. They’ll be in class with you every day, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. What they won’t do is lecture; their job is to help you think about the lectures you hear and the books you read, and then put it all together during the SI review sessions. SI can help you learn course material more efficiently.
When do SI review sessions start?
The second week of classes each semester! Each SI leader will set up about three review sessions each week at times that are best for the majority of students taking the class. You can attend one or all sessions (the choice is yours), and each one will be different because you’ll have new material to discuss. SI review sessions are informal. Bring your notes; bring your textbook; bring your questions.
What’s in it for me?
If you attend SI sessions regularly, chances are you’ll earn a better grade. You’ll have developed a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. This will help you in other classes also.
Where will the SI Sessions be held?
All SI Sessions will be held either in an in-person or remote setting. Please review our SI Session Calendars to review when sessions will be held.
This sounds great! How do I make an appointment?
Appointments can be made at tutoring.kean.edu Accudemia is mobile friendly and allows you to make and access appointments with any mobile device you have (cell phone, desktop, laptop, iPad, tablet, etc) You can even opt for text message reminders for upcoming appointments! For your convenience, please look at the SI Session Calendars tab for more information on supported courses, session days and times, instructions on how to make and access an appointment, and more!
What courses are offered with SI?
Right now, we are offering SI Sessions in the following courses:
- ACCT 2200
- Chem 1083
- Chem 2581
- Chem 2582
- CPS 1231
- CPS 2231
- CS 0412
- Math 1044
- Math 1054
Not enrolled in any of these courses? Check back later! We are slowly expanding!
Who can I contact if I have any questions or issues making or accessing a remote SI Session appointment?
We are always happy to help! If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us at KeanSI@kean.edu
We look forward to helping you succeed in your classes!