SI Leaders

What is SI?

SI is a series of out-of-class sessions led by a student who has successfully taken the SI course previously. 

SI Leaders are paid undergraduate students who lead these sessions!

What do SI Leaders do?

SI Leaders help students learn the course material by facilitating groupwork - students work together with a hands-on approach to the material.  SI Leaders attend the class they are SI'ing for, hold one office hour per week, and one SI Session per week (this may vary slightly)

Evidence shows that when students are involved in the learning process, they learn the material much faster!  Students generally remember 10-20% of what they read and hear, and 90% of what they do.  SI leaders do not re-lecture or re-teach material, they help students practice and learn.

Time & Compensation

The Time Committment

  • Pre-Semester Training: 4 hours (once)
    • Fall Semesters: usually the Sunday before classes start
    • Spring Semesters: usually the Monday before classes start (MLK Holiday)
  • Attending Class: 3 hours/week
  • SI Session: 1 hour/week
  • Office Hour: 1 hour/week
  • Planning SI Session: 1-2 hours/week
  • Additional Training: 1 hour/week during first four weeks of semester

The Compensation

SI Leaders may choose course credit (1-3 hours of a 3000-level course) or monetary compensation. Pay is $12/hr for 8 hours/week (about $1440/semester). 

 

Some Reasons why THIS JOB ROCKS

You will have the opportunity to build an intellectual community with other SI leaders, building lasting friendships and relationships

You will learn more about the subject you're doing SI for (this is especially helpful if you are going into the field or are planning on going on to grad school).

You will become a better teacher (even though this job is not teaching, you will learn techniques that help you learn more about how students learn)

You will meet new people with new perspectives

You will see the "light bulb" go off in your students eyes - the most rewarding part of the job!

SI looks great on your resume - and looks great on applications into grad school, med school, etc. 

Challenges Some SI Leaders Encounter

Some SI Leaders find it difficult to overcome the natural inclination to teach students in the traditional sense
(in front of the room with marker in hand)

Some SI Leaders find it difficult to make time for planning SI sessions.  There is work outside of the 3 hours of class, office hour, and SI Session. 
(SI leaders who accept the job "for the money" will probably be frustrated)

Some SI Leaders may be uncomfortable speaking in front of large groups or leading small group discussion.  Although SI sessions are typically fairly small (15-20 is the ideal size), you will be speaking publicly - you are often in front of a large class or leading small group discussions.
(this job can help get over being nervous in front of people, however.  This may also be a way for you to open yourself up and truly help someone that is struggling with the subject you are doing SI for.)

Some SI Leaders may encounter difficult situations and may be challenged with becoming flexible as a leader
(You may have a plan at the beginning of the day, but by the end you may have not only changed something but learned what may work better for you in the future.)