"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) scheme involves higher-year students supporting lower-year students with their studies in small groups across an academic programme or module. It is discipline-owned and student-led. PASS is part of a recognised National and International Network. Whilst we in Library Services oversee PASS, all schemes are successfully supported and run in conjunction with academic colleagues.
What are the benefits of PASS?
- For lower-year students, PASS can help with the adjustment to University life, enhancing understanding of course content, developing confidence, improving study skills and habits, and meeting new people.
- Higher year students are trained in facilitation skills as ‘PASS Leaders’ and run their PASS sessions in pairs or small groups. They are able to develop a range of employability skills whilst consolidating their own course understanding.
- Staff are able to embed an additional source of support for their students, and receive feedback about their student experience via student PASS leaders.
Feedback about PASS
"I am a first generation person from my family going to university and I had so many questions answered and anxiety alleviated." (UG1 PASS participant)
"PASS was a scheme which helped me feel not only more confident with my studies but also a place where I felt my concerns were heard and acknowledged." (UG1 PASS participant)
"There are so many skills you can gain and people to build new relationships with." (UG2 PASS leader)
"I absolutely loved this experience and would recommend it to every student!"(UG3 PASS leader)
"PASS is a brilliant scheme…it is particularly effective and popular with our students because they have actual experience of the issues that face our students…We have had very positive feedback from all of our students that have been involved …and would recommend it both for those supporting and those being supported." (PASS academic lead)
How do I set up PASS in my programme or module?
- Academic staff: if you are interested in setting up PASS within your programme or module, please get in touch: pass@contacts.bham.ac.uk . We will then work with you to develop your PASS scheme, including recruiting, training and supporting your higher year PASS leaders, providing quality assurance and evaluation.
- Students: please check whether PASS is currently running in your programme or module. If not, please contact your personal academic tutor in the first instance.