Frequently Asked Questions

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" SLGs are super helpful! It's great that the leader has close communication with the professor. "

What is the SLG Program?

It is a series of weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. SLG sessions are provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of the course material. Attendance at sessions is voluntary. For you, it is a chance to get together with other people in your class to compare notes, discuss important concepts, develop study strategies, and test yourself before your professor does. At each session you will be guided through this material by your SLG Leader, a senior student who has previously taken the course and done well.

What is an SLG Leader?

SLG Leaders are trained Peer Helpers who are successful students in their disciplines. They are prepared to share with you what they have learned over the years about how to study effectively. They know the course content and are ready to guide you through it. They will be in class with you everyday, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. What they don't do is lecture; their job is to help you think about the course materials and then put it all together so that it makes sense to you.

When do SLG review sessions begin?

SLG Leaders will be at your first class session to give you details about the project. Each SLG Leader will set up three hours of review sessions per week at times that are best suited to the majority of you. You can attend as many sessions as you like — the choice is yours — and each one will be different because you will have new material to discuss. SLG review sessions are informal. Bring your notes; bring your textbook; bring your questions.

Will my questions be answered in session?

Although the SLG Leaders are capable of answering questions on course content, in order to improve students' learning and understanding skills, the goal of the session is to have students work through difficult concepts together and come up with their own answers. If you have specific questions on the course content then see your professor, TA, or visit the help labs associated with the course. See your course outline for details.

What goes on at SLG sessions?

The role of the SLG Leader is to facilitate collaborative learning between students, encouraging active interaction with the course content. Below are links to handouts that have been given out at different SLG sessions. These handouts should provide an understanding of how Leaders try to meet the goal of the program through each session.

Sample SLG Session Handouts

Chemistry (PDF – 120kb)
Economics (PDF –70kb)
Psychology (PDF –40kb)

Do I have to sign-up for sessions?

No. Sessions are run on a drop-in basis. Check the schedules on posters around campus, at the Learning Commons desk, or the SLG schedules page.

Can I attend only one session?

Sessions are run on a drop-in basis, we ask that you arrive at the beginning of the session but you are not required to go to sessions, therefore there is no problem attending just one session. If you feel the program is not suited for your needs then you do not have to return. We do ask that you provide some feedback as to why the session was not congruent with your needs so that we might address those concerns.

Can I start half-way through the semester?

It is never too late to attend your first SLG session. If you find that as the course is progressing you could use some assistance, drop-in to an SLG session. You may find that the group collaboration on difficult topics will help you develop a better understanding of the course content.

What is in it for me?

If you attend SLG sessions regularly, chances are you will have developed a better understanding of the course content as well as more effective ways to study. The skills and strategies that you acquire in SLG sessions for this course will help you in other classes as well.

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