Peer-Assisted Study Scheme (PASS)

PASS - also referred to as Supplemental Instruction or SI - provides an opportunity for you to learn in small groups with a trained peer leader. These groups are interactive and use collaborative learning. Research has also shown that students who regularly attend PASS sessions improve their marks and increase their enjoyment.

Currently, the PASS program runs in Intermediate Financial Accounting 306-202, Finance 1 333-101, Business Finance 333-201, Investments 333-301 and Corporate Finance 333-302. View the PASS timetables or register for a PASS session (if the session of your choice is full you will be unable to register and will have to choose an alternative time).

• What is the PASS Program?
• What is ‘supplementary learning’ in PASS?
• What is meant by student-centred, collaborative learning?
• Who are the PASS Leaders?
• How do I join?
• Why should I join?
• What happens in PASS?

What is the PASS program?

SI (PASS) was pioneered by Dr Deanna Martin in 1973 at the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). In 1981 the SI program at UMKC was validated as an Exemplary Education Program by the US Department of Education and was re-certified in 1985 and 1992. Since its inception, the efficacy of the program has been evaluated carefully and it has been shown that its objectives have been met consistently. SI programs have been implemented in some 600 universities in the US, UK, South Africa, Sweden and Australia. In Australia, successful programs run at the University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Southern Queensland.

PASS materials (e.g., activities/ questions/practice quizzes) have been developed by the PASS team using a range of resources. Unlike the lecture and tutorial materials, the content has not been developed in collaboration with lecturers and it does not have the status for ‘formal course content’. Rather it is based on common questions from students’ and facilitators’ experiences. PASS material is not necessarily representative of assessable or examinable content but does provide opportunities to deepen and apply your learning in a specific unit of studies. For specific advice on examinable content please ALWAYS consult with your lecturers.

What is student-centred, collaborative learning?

PASS seeks to promote engaged, questioning, reflective learning. Participation in a PASS program helps to satisfy two conditions that are known to promote effective learning: the provision of timely and constructive feedback on academic performance/progress, and opportunities to study collaboratively in a peer group situation. Participation in the program also helps to develop valuable communication, team-building and other interpersonal skills in both the leaders and the participants.

These are students who have completed the selected subject. On the basis of their interest in the program, their perceived personal qualities and a demonstrated ability in the subject area, they are appointed as leaders by the PASS supervisor, in consultation with the lecturer for the subject. Before the program commences the PASS leaders undertake a day's intensive training conducted by the supervisor.

Attendance at PASS sessions is voluntary (although highly recommended). Timetables are available online and from the TLU. Students wishing to join the PASS program can choose a session time and register online. The PASS leader will record the student's name and student number. Attendance at PASS sessions is recorded in order to evaluate the program as well as to keep track of the numbers in each session. Places are limited so it's advisable to join the program early. Once you've committed to the program it's important to attend regularly.

Research both in the US and in Australia has demonstrated that students who regularly attend PASS sessions improve both their marks and their enjoyment of the subject. PASS not only increases students' confidence in the content of the subject but increases their motivation and their interpersonal skills. PASS sessions are relaxed and friendly and many students report that they make friends and find other students they can work with through the sessions.

PASS leaders are not tutors but are fellow students. Their role is to facilitate learning, to allow students to ask questions, clarify and discuss ideas, work through problems develop learning strategies and work collaboratively with other students. Their role is not to teach or to provide students with the answers, but to enable students to develop the skills to find the answers themselves.

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