Two students stand in front of the rainbow stairs in front of the UNC. They are chatting happily.

PEER-FACILITATED STUDY SESSIONS FOR
UBC OKANAGAN’S MOST CHALLENGING COURSES

SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING

Improve your grades and build your confidence! Become a critical thinker as you participate in Supplemental Learning (SL) and match what you need to learn, with how best to learn it. SL is a free, non-remedial, co-curricular service that supports UBC Okanagan’s most challenging courses. Available to all students enrolled in selected courses, weekly peer-facilitated study sessions are offered to help you:

    • Gain a more in-depth understanding of your course content
    • Meet students from your class in a small group format
    • Maximize your study time through fun and collaborative activities
    • Build and test your knowledge before you write an exam

 

SL sessions are facilitated by trained undergraduate students known as “SL Leaders”, who have successfully taken the course before, who re-attend lectures, and act as a role model.

What to expect

What you can expect at an SL session

Supplemental Learning (SL) has become one of the most popular ways to learn at UBC Okanagan. When you attend an SL session, you will encounter a welcoming and inclusive environment. Since SL sessions are collaborative, you should expect to work in small groups, but don’t worry.

SL is a low-stakes environment, so feel free to ask questions, be confused, or make mistakes. Although the leader may not directly answer a question you ask, they will use facilitation strategies to help you find the answer yourself, which in the long run will be more beneficial to your learning.

Who are SL Leaders?

SL Leaders are students themselves and are prepared to share with you what they have learned over the years about how to study. They are competent students who have previously taken the course. They know the course content, have done well in the class, are recommended by the faculty, and want to help guide you through your class experience.

Your SL Leader will be in class with you every day, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. This is how they know the important stuff to focus on in weekly SL sessions. SL Leaders love their subjects and often they have some pretty creative ideas and strategies for how to learn difficult course content.

How can SL help?

If you attend SL sessions regularly, you’ll earn a better grade. You’ll develop a better understanding of course content and more effective ways of learning. This will help in your other classes too.

After five years of SL on-campus, we know it improves student success, increases retention in our most difficult courses, and builds student confidence. Established in over 30 courses every year, every first-year student should have access to at least one SL-supported course.

 

SL Session Schedule

Join our sessions—the more you go, the more you know! Starting Monday January 15th, sessions will be offered in-person and online. For full details on the 2023W Term 1 SL courses, leaders, and sessions, please look at the schedule below:

SL Session Schedule

Please refer to your SL Leader’s Discussion Board and Canvas announcements for any cancellations, rescheduled sessions, updated zoom links, and midterm/final exam review session dates and times.

 

Want to be an SL Leader?

Students interested in being an SL Leader should be in their second, third, or fourth year of an undergraduate degree program. Interested applicants must demonstrate:

    • A high level of academic achievement, combined with excellent study skill habits
    • The ability to clearly and concisely explain concepts to their peers
    • Excellent communication skills and a friendly and positive attitude
    • A desire to provide guidance and help others learn

Being an SL Leader is a rewarding and impactful experience. As a Leader, you will provide experience and encouragement, rather than simply providing answers. Check the UBCO Job Board regularly to view all current postings.

Questions? Contact us at learning.hub@ubc.ca