PASS stands for Peer Assisted Study Sessions. At Bethune College our PASS program is based on the Supplemental Instruction (SI) model. SI is an academic support program that targets courses instead of students which helps overcome any "remedial" stigma and has been shown to improve student experience, academic success and retention.
PASS leaders are students who have previously completed the course and earned a high grade. PASS leaders act as model students and facilitate study sessions. Within sessions PASS Leaders encourage students to work in groups to improve their understanding of the course material. Students work together to learn how to integrate course content and develop their study skills. PASS leaders are provided with intensive training in leadership and facilitation skills as well as regular supervision and ongoing support.
More Information on the SI Model can be found at the International Center for Supplemental Instruction, University of Missouri, Kansas City. Of particular interest is the SI FAQ. The National Data (USA) show remarkable improvements in course grades and decreased withdrawals among SI participants.
If PASS sessions are being offered for your course you will be notified before the start of the semester and you will be introduced to your PASS leader. PASS works best with committed course directors.
What is PASS?
- PASS follows the internationally recognized model of Supplemental Instruction (SI) and is offered across York University.
- Learn more about PASS at York: https://students.yorku.ca/PASS
- Learn more about SI International: https://info.umkc.edu/si/
- Watch a video summary of the PASS/SI model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOYR68azGSk
- PASS typically supports large first or second year courses with historically high failure and withdrawal rates.
- Peer Assisted Study Sessions are regularly scheduled study sessions facilitated by a PASS Leader using collaborative learning strategies.
What impact will having PASS in my course have?
- Research through the International SI Centre has shown that students participating in PASS receive higher grades and persist in their studies at higher rates than students who do not participate.
What is a PASS Leader?
- Each class supported by the PASS program has one or two PASS Leaders. PASS Leaders are:
- Work/study students hired by Bethune College.
- Students who have previously completed the course and received an A or A+.
- Trained on the PASS model by a supervisor trained through the Canadian National Centre for SI.
- PASS Leaders act as facilitators for student learning; helping students review content that has been taught in lecture/tutorial. They do NOT teach course content.
What’s needed from the Course Director?
- Permission for the PASS Leader to attend the course and access course content, including eClass.
- A desk copy of the textbook if the PASS Leader no longer has their copy.
- Permission for the PASS Leader to make announcements periodically to advertise the PASS program (in-person and/or through eClass).
- If willing, review of PASS mock tests to ensure that the content reflects the content in the test.
- It can also help to interact and engage with your PASS Leader during lecture so students know where to go for sessions.