For Students

Taft College  >  Supplemental Instruction  >  For Students
Why should I use Supplemental Instruction?
Students who use SI do better in their classes than students who don’t use SI. Students who use SI earn one letter grade better on average than students who do not utilize SI. You will meet people you can study with, who will motivate you to become a better student, and who will help you stay on course to achieve your educational goals.
How will SI help me?
SI is an ongoing review of the course materials. The information you learn in daily lectures is continually reinforced in SI. SI helps you learn the material in a way that will stay with you long after your course is over. SI teaches cooperative learning techniques that will help you in later courses that do not have SIs. SI provides a safe, comfortable learning environment. You are encouraged to talk about your courses and ask questions that you may not feel comfortable asking in class.
What’s an SI session like?
In SI sessions, students are active participants. You will compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop strategies for studying, and test yourselves before your professor does. SIs make sure that sessions aren’t a waste of time by having a plan that keeps the group on track.
Students studying in library.

SI Expectations of Students
SIs expect Taft College students to take an active role in their education. To that end:

  • You must attend your classes. SI is not meant to replace class lectures.
  • You must take your own notes. SIs will provide their class notes to any student who asks for them.
  • SIs will also help students take better notes. Taking notes during class will help you retain the lecture information. SI notes are meant to supplement your own notes not replace them.
  • You must do all of your coursework. SIs will not do your coursework for you. SI sessions will only enhance the knowledge you gain from course assignments if you have kept up with all the course requirements.
  • Give the SI session enough time to be effective. SI sessions take time. If you plan enough time for an SI session, it will pay off for you. SI can help you study for tests, but it is not a cram session. If you are struggling in a class, don’t expect to get an A when you go to your first SI session thirty minutes before a final.
Students studying in math lab