PASS Programme : Seminar on Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) : Are you going to PASS?

Brief Description

You are cordially invited to join the captioned seminar which is part of OUGE’s initiative to introduce new ideas about teaching and learning for GE.

In this seminar, Sally Rogan will give us a general introduction to the concepts and practices of PASS. Colleagues will learn about 1) what a PASS programme involves, 2) how it is coordinated and 3) the demonstrated benefits for both teachers and students.

The seminar was run last year and well received by teachers from 11 different departments offering GE. This year, OUGE has invited Sally to conduct a 2.5-day PASS supervisor training session for CUHK staff from December 8-10. Details and invitation for nomination of participants to the training were sent to teaching departments earlier.

Sally has trained university staff to implement and manage PASS at numerous institutions including the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Tasmania, University of South Australia, Griffith University, University of Newcastle and Taylor’s College, Malaysia, among many others.

About Peer Assisted Study Session

Widely adopted in the US with proved effectiveness and spreading to other parts of the world, Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS) consists of weekly one-hour, non-compulsory sessions led by 'Peer Leaders', students who have excelled at the same course in the past. Peer leaders do not teach, but serve as facilitator for group studies. PASS traditionally targets at courses involving complex or technical concepts. PASS can be an effective tool for GE classes where students are from different academic background and have no prior knowledge in the subject. It may be particularly beneficial for classes without tutorials or insufficient teaching supports.