Supplemental Instruction will give you the edge: The Homebase Podcast College success shorts with Dr. Pope

Hey there! I’m Dr. Pope, and today, I want to talk about something that can make all the difference in your college experience—especially if you're the first in your family to take on this journey. Did you know there’s a resource for students tackling tough subjects, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math? It’s called Supplemental Instruction, or SI, and it's a game-changer for anyone willing to try. Here’s the deal—STEM courses can be challenging. It’s not just the challenging content; these classes often move quickly and have high stakes with big exams. But SI was created to give you an edge. Research shows that students who attend SI sessions get better grades and are more likely to stay in their major and graduate on time. So, how does SI work? Picture this: instead of studying alone, you join a small group of classmates led by a trained student who aced the class before. You review the material together, discuss tricky problems, and practice for upcoming tests. It’s all about learning together in a way that helps the concepts stick. Plus, you’re building a support network of peers who know what you're going through. One study found that students in SI for STEM courses felt more confident and engaged in class. And the best part? These sessions are free at no extra cost to you. They’re built into your college's support system and are just waiting for you to step in and use them. So why not take advantage? Imagine walking into your next chemistry or calculus class more confidently because you know you’ve got a whole team backing you up. SI isn’t just for struggling people; it’s for everyone who wants to make the most of their time here and own their education. So, here’s my challenge: make it a priority to check out SI for your toughest classes this semester. Dive in, meet people, and watch as that knowledge—and confidence—grows. Because success isn’t just about going it alone; it’s about building your own home base right here on campus with people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. https://studentsuccess.sdsu.edu/supplemental-instruction/session-schedules https://www.instagram.com/sdsu.si/