What are Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)? - Tutoring & Academic Success Center

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Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions are peer-led review sessions provided for selected courses. The SI sessions provide a chance for students to get together with classmates to compare notes, discuss important concepts, and develop strategies for studying the subject. The sessions are facilitated by a trained SI leader. The leader attends lecture each day, taking notes and listening closely to the professor. The leader does not re-lecture or give his/her class notes, but helps the students become independent learners by planning activities that encourage students to work together and process material themselves.

Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) sessions are also peer-led and feature many of the same elements as SI. However, there is an attendance policy. The faculty member sets the baseline grade for student performance. For the classes that are SLA supported at CSU, the average baseline grade has been 70%. This means that students receiving a grade of 70% or lower are required to attend the SLA sessions. Attendance is voluntary for those scoring above the baseline grade. At first, all students are required to attend. The sessions are worked into their schedules, like a lab. The faculty member must assess the students within the first week of class. From that point forward there should be several assessments given. Attendance at sessions will vary from assessment to assessment.

Rationale: Collaborative learning promotes critical thinking through discussion, clarification of ideas, and evaluation of others' ideas. The SI and SLA programs focus on encouraging students to work with their classmates (a method which is proved to be 2.5 times more efficient than studying alone).