Peer assisted study sessions (PASS)
The aims of PASS
- To give first year students an opportunity to work collaboratively in small groups with the help of a competent, caring, subject experienced student peer
- To create an environment where students are relaxed, can make friends, can ask any 'dumb' question and pick the brains of someone who has succeeded in that course
- To assist students in developing independent learning skills - PASS leaders encourage students to use all the recommended teaching resources supplied in a course
- To motivate students to study and keep up with content on a weekly basis - early study helps students avoid cramming and develop a deeper understanding of the material.
Features of PASS
PASS is a formal system of organising peer-led study groups related to a particular course.
PASS uses carefully selected and trained second and third year students to facilitate regular and structured small group study.
PASS groups are led by a pair of trained student leaders, and group size is limited to 25 students.
Student attendance is voluntary; students may change groups and attend multiple sessions.
PASS leaders are paid to conduct sessions. Leaders generally re-attend the course lectures to refresh their content knowledge and help plan their sessions.
A PASS supervisor is nominated by the School to support the leaders, be a conduit between the lecturers and leaders, and provide administration assistance to run the program.
The supervisor also observes the leaders 'in-session' to ensure they are meeting the PASS philosophy of:
- not tutoring or reteaching content
- getting students actively involved
- encouraging good study habits
- using the courses' resource materials
- creating a non-threatening and friendly environment.
PASS Programs at UQ
PASS is used at UQ in large first year classes in both the BACS and BEL faculties.
