Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
What is PASS?
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are voluntary, non-remedial, weekly sessions where students from a particular subject gather, with a trained PASS Leader, and cover course content and learning/study techniques that will help them succeed in their studies. PASS integrates what to learn (subject content) with how to learn (study skills) to assist students in becoming active learners. PASS runs from week 2 right up to week 12 of session, allowing students to discuss subject content throughout the session.
PASS is based on Supplementary Instruction (SI) which was created almost 40 years ago at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Since this time it has been adopted by hundreds of institutions in over 35 countries. PASS in Australia is run by the National Centre for PASS at the University of Wollongong.
What is a PASS Leader?
A PASS Leader is a specially selected and trained student. PASS Leaders are selected for their subject mastery, their study skills and their communication skills. All PASS Leaders receive two days of training on how to effectively plan and run PASS sessions for their discipline.
How do students benefit?
Students who attend PASS benefit in a number of ways:
- Higher average grades* than students who do not attend PASS,
- Lower failure rate* than students who do not attend PASS,
- Students learn to become active learners,
- Students learn important study skills (skills which transfer to all other subjects), and
- Students make friends with other students from their course.
What subjects is PASS supporting in 2011?
PASS was introduced to CSU in 2011. PASS is supporting the following subjects in the second session of 2011:
- BMS192 Human Bioscience 2 (Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Wagga & DE)
- QBM117/120 Business Statistics (Bathurst)
- EML210 English Curriculum: Reading & Pedagogy (Bathurst)
- SOC101 Introductory Sociology (DE)
Subjects for 2012 are now being determined.
How do I find out more about PASS?
Read the Faculty Guide to PASS
Contact the PASS Coordinator, Peter Greening by e-mail or phone (02) 6338 4302.
* Based on data from CSU in 201130.