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SI-PASS
SI-PASS
One popular type of peer learning initiative is Supplemental Instruction (SI). It is also sometimes referred to as Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). SI-PASS is a collaborative peer learning model developed in the 1970s by Dr Deanna Martin at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). SI-PASS is characterised by four "actors" - students, student leaders, trained supervisors and academic staff.
It is a structured programme that provides academic support to students in challenging courses. SI-PASS sessions are typically led by undergraduate students who have previously taken the course (usually from the year above). These student leaders help students to understand the course material and develop effective study skills. Undergoing rigorous training, student leaders facilitate peer learning by guiding discussions and encouraging active learning. They do not teach.
SI-PASS Supervisors manage the programme. It is generally recommended that SI-PASS Supervisors undergo SI-PASS Supervisor Training, which in Europe is delivered by the European Centre for SI-PASS.
How to develop SI-PASS at your HEI
How to develop SI-PASS at your HEI
The steps below were developed by Amber Walsh Olesen and Aoife Walsh based on over a decade of experience running CÉIM and PASS at their respective universities, University of Galway/University of Galway Students’ Union and Technological University of the Shannon. This should give you some insight into starting an SI-PASS academic peer learning initiative.
1. Securing buy-in and funding
Discussions with senior management and academic staff
Identifying suitable academic programmes to partner with
Securing funding
Selection of programme academic lead staff member
2. Programme planning
Decisions regarding number of peer learning groups and leaders
Developing Leader role description/requirements/charter
Timetabling & Booking rooms
3. Recruitment of leaders
Marketing of positions
Application process
Liaison with academic staff
Shortlisting, group interviews and selection
Communication with leaders
4. Leader training
Approximately 2 days in total
Plan training: consider synchronous/asynchronous delivery; online-in-person/hybrid facilitation in addition to the content and logistics of training
Planning meeting with leaders and academic staff
Leaders practise in their assigned room before sessions start
5. Marketing
Marketing/promotion/communications (print, digital, social media, etc.)
Lecture shout-outs
Information stands
6. Delivering peer learning
Considerations for the Virtual Leaning Environment (VLE), e.g. resources for current leaders, leaders added to 1st year modules, creating pages for leaders working with 1st year students, etc.
Leaders deliver sessions weekly
Regular debrief meetings in discipline groups with academic staff and Supervisors
Coaching of leaders
Observation of sessions
7. Evaluation
Developing surveys and collating results
Monitoring attendance
Analysing grades and attendance data
Sharing findings with student leaders and staff
8. Rewarding leaders
Free hoodie
Leader certificates and/or digital badge
9. Networking and research
Contributing at conferences
Writing case studies and papers
Networking via European Centre for SI-PASS
Available listservs: Academic Peer Learning, Supplemental Instruction discussion list, SI-PASS run by European Centre
10. Additional
Planning meetings with internal teams and academic staff
Regular communications with other trained Supervisors, academic staff and management
Reporting to senior management and academic staff
Case Study Examples - CÉIM
Case Study Examples - CÉIM
CÉIM Peer Learning at University of Galway/University of Galway Students’ Union
Training: 5 hours synchronous online training, 2.5 hours e-learning, 7 hours in-person facilitation training, 1.5 hours health and wellbeing training.
Additional Leader rewards: print credit, Employability Award, ALIVE President’s Award for Volunteering, 3 leader parties throughout the year, Annual Celebration event with University President.
Coming soon: CÉIM Instagram
Case Study Examples - TUS PASS
Case Study Examples - TUS PASS
Peer Assisted Student Support (PASS) at Technological University of the Shannon
Training: 5-6 hours asynchronous online training, 7 hours in-person training facilitated by trained Supervisors, Providing feedback to Leaders on first session plans.
Additional Leader rewards: Accreditation: 5 credit PASS Leadership module, print credit, upgraded gym membership.
Coming soon: TUS PASS Instagram
If you want to learn more, visit the International Center for Supplemental Instruction and the European Centre for SI-PASS where you can find details on what you need to do to create your own SI-PASS initiative and where training is available.
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