PASS is for everyone! Whether you are a top performer or could use some improvement, you will benefit from the skills and understanding you will gain from attending PASS.
PASS is usually attached to subjects that have a historically high failure rate and/or are perceived by the student body as being difficult. Many of these subjects are core first year subjects which students encounter in the first and second semester of their transition to university life. At UOW and other institutions, PASS is also sometimes attached to subjects for other reasons, such as the establishment of learning communities or the development of discipline- specific learning skills.
The program is non-remedial and open to all students enrolled in the nominated subjects. Sessions are led by high achieving senior students called Peer Leaders, who are recruited on the basis of their academic record and their excellent interpersonal skills.
Why should I go to PASS?
PASS is a chance to get together in small groups with other students in the subject to compare notes, discuss important topics, and to develop strategies for studying and learning.
At each session a Peer Leader will be on hand to guide students through the course material. Sessions are designed to be informal, flexible, and fun! The focus of each session will be determined by the needs of the group. PASS is a valuable opportunity for students to seek help and advice in a friendly, relaxed environment.
If you regularly attend PASS, studies show that your final mark will be substantially improved.
Why does PASS emphasise collaborative learning?
Collaborative Learningis an instruction method where students of various performance levels work together to achieve a goal.
Collaborative learning is integral to PASS. Learning theory suggests that students who collaborate with their peers and take an active approach to their learning not only earn higher grades, but also have a stronger ground up understanding of course material. It is for this reason that PASS is usually applied to first and second year core subjects.
Why is PASS so popular?
Over 250 000 students from more than 30 countries attend PASS each year. But why? The most obvious result of PASS is that students who attend PASS regularly earn a higher grade than those who do not attend. Apart from this PASS also benefits students as it:
Gives students an opportunity to evaluate their performance against their peers
Is scheduled in timeslots which will fill gaps in students timetables
Provides a "supergroup learning" forum for time pressed students
Employs up to 40 student leaders annually. This not only provides leaders with a chance to improve their leadership and teamwork skills, but it also provides a source of income.
PASS is also popular with employers. This is because PASS targets the development of many graduate attributes such as communication and team work skills.
What can you expect from PASS?
In PASS you will...
Improve learning techniques applicable to your subject within the context of university study. The aim of this is to provide you with the skills to become an effective learner
Improve understanding of subject content
Be a valued member of your PASS group
Improve your communication skills
Have the chance to ask questions that may seem silly, in a supportive environment
Have access to more study materials, such as past exams or mock exam questions
MAKE MATES & HAVE FUN!
What can you expect from your PASS Leader?
Your PASS Leader...
Is an experienced student, well versed in the content of their course
Operates as a model student and relays tips on their effective study skills for your discipline
Will assist you in working out what to learn as well as how to learn it
Will plan and facilitate activities which aim to encourage collaborative learning
Will model relevant critical thinking and problem solving techniques
Will empower you to become an independent learner
What not to expect from PASS?
Anything like a tutorial environment! Your PASS leader will guide the group toward the answer, but getting the right answer will largely be up to you!
Last reviewed: 26 November, 2007
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