Peer Assisted Study Sessions are an adaptation of a Supplemental Instruction (SI) model, initiated in 1973 at The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). It is an internationally renowned academic support and retention program which offers peer mentoring with recognised National and International networks.
PASS is a quality assured peer mentoring programme which adheres to the following 21 principles.
- PASS is a methodology for learner support
- PASS is small group learning
- PASS is facilitated by other students acting as mentors
- PASS is confidential
- PASS is voluntary
- PASS is non-remedial
- PASS is participative
- PASS is content-based and process-oriented
- PASS encourages collaborative, rather than competitive learning
- PASS benefits all students regardless of current academic competency
- PASS gives privacy to practise the subject, make mistakes and build up confidence
- PASS gives opportunity to increase academic performance
- PASS is pro-active, not reactive
- PASS targets high `risk´ courses, not high `risk´ students
- PASS decreases drop-out rates and aids retention
- PASS encourages learner autonomy
- PASS does not create dependency
- PASS integrates effective learning strategies within the course content
- PASS enables a clear view of course expectations
- PASS works in the language of the discipline
- PASS challenges the barrier between year groups
From PASS / SI Supervisor Training, Cork, November 2017
Copyright University of Manchester
Who benefits from Pass?
Testimonials
"I feel the experience was an extremely good one which I enjoyed and I can see it has boosted my confidence as I can talk to people more easily now than I could before. I also feel the experience will benefit me when it comes to future employability as it shows that I can work well with others as well as alone, that I am approachable and friendly. It also demonstrates that I have good time management skills as I achieved everything I planned."
Student
"Not only does it aim to widen participation by providing a support mechanism aimed at helping students stay in Higher Education but the use of PASS has been shown to enhance academic performance and promote the development of skills and attributes to strengthen employability. This is particularly the case for PASS leaders who are often described as the ‘real winners’ in the process."
Staff member
Dissemination
C. O'Donnell, (May 2017) PASS Poster Presentation at the Employability: Beyond the metrics Conference at Ulster University.