PASS at UOW is based on
Supplemental Instruction (SI). SI was initially developed by Dr Deanna Martin at the
University of Missouri - Kansas City over 30 years ago. Since then, SI has spread to some 30 countries around the world. SI targets subjects with higher than desirable failure rates and / or subjects which are perceived by the students as being very difficult. The program assists students with mastering and integrating subject content and learning and study strategies.
SI has been adapted in a number of Australian universities where it is usually known as
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) or
PAL (Peer Assisted Learning). PASS commenced operation at UOW in 2002.
UOW currently operates the
most diverse PASS program in Australia, servicing
all faculties across the University of Wollongong and has been commended by national and international experts for "best practice" in operating a PASS/SI program.
Since 2005, Sally Rogan, the Manager of the PASS program at UOW, has been accredited by the University of Missouri - Kansas City with the position of Australian National Trainer for PASS. As such, the University of Wollongong is the National Center for PASS. This entails Sally and the University of Wollongong in assisting with the implementation and development of the PASS program at the request of other universities in the Australasian region.
Since 2005, Sally has trained nearly 100 staff from 25 institutions in how to implement and manage a PASS Program. PASS operates at a range of institutions including the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne.
