# Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program

**Source**: https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/provost-office/student-success-services/supplemental-instruction-program
**Parent**: https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/provost-office/student-success-services

## Overview

IIf you find it difficult to grasp complex course concepts or maintain high academic performance and would like to work in an interactive study environment, join an SI session today!

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is designed to support students in challenging courses to improve their grades and gain a deeper understanding of their coursework. SI is used worldwide in higher learning as a non-remedial approach. SI supports students toward success by integrating “what to learn” with “how to learn” more effectively. Sessions involve regularly scheduled out-of-class group study sessions. They are held regularly, two to three times per week, offering consistent support throughout the semester.

## What kind of support do SI sessions provide?

- **Develop** effective study strategies specific to your course
- **Practice** solving problems with peers
- **Enhance Critical Thinking** about course material
- **Take better notes** and **prepare** more efficiently for exams.
- **Achieve** better grades.
- **Encourage Collaborative learning** by building a supportive academic community.

The collaborative environment of SI encourages you to build a supportive academic community, gain
new
perspectives on the material, and expand your academic support network.

## Frequently Asked Questions

## What is Needed to Know about SI sessions?

- **Voluntary attendance:** There is no mandatory sign-up. Feel free to join
  the sessions when it suits you.
- **Open to All students:** SI is for any student looking to enhance their
  learning.
- **NOT a Class substitute:** SI is not a replacement for lectures or
  introducing new material but rather reinforces what you've already learned.
- **Completely free:** This is a FREE service that you can utilize.

## How to Join an SI Session?

SI is open to ALL students enrolled in supported courses, with no prior
booking required. Attendance is confidential, so professors will not be informed of who
attends.

All the sessions are conducted in the Manufactury Building. SI leaders will typically contact
students in supported courses with details on session times, locations, or Zoom links.

## Who are Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders?

SI Leaders are undergraduate students who have completed the course you are enrolled in. They are trained to guide interactive group sessions where students can discuss material, improve critical thinking, develop learning strategies, and prepare for exams. SI leaders don't re-teach or lecture, they facilitate sessions where students reflect on what they’ve already learned and review the material that covers each week's course content. SI leaders attend class lectures, take notes, and communicate with the professors serving as model students.

SI leaders gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and collaboration by facilitating peer learning sessions while reinforcing their understanding of course concepts.

## How to Become an SI Leader?

Students eligible to become SI leaders must have completed the course they are interested in supporting with an A grade. If you are interested in improving your leadership skills and professional development, through workshops and mentoring opportunities, please email [Student Success Services](mailto:studentsuccess@hbku.edu.qa) for more information.