The document summarizes the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program at two community colleges. PASS provides supplemental instruction to students through peer-led study sessions. PASS leaders are students who attend class and lead weekly study sessions to help students learn course content and study strategies. Research shows that PASS helps reduce failure rates and improves subject grades for participating students. The PASS program involves leaders, supervisors, instructors, and students working together to promote student success.

1. An Introduction to PASS at
Porterville College
P.A.S.S
Peer Assisted Study Sessions

2. Tell me, and I forget.
Show me, and I remember.
Involve me, and I
understand.
- Chinese Proverb
WHAT IS THE FOCUS
AND PURPOSE OF
THE PASS
PROGRAM?

3.  PASS focuses on students
helping students “learn how
to learn.”
THE FOCUS OF PASS
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

4.  The program reviews, reinforces, and
clarifies course content through informal,
out-of-class study sessions.
 Designed to supplement—not replace—
class lectures.
 Students who attend sessions learn to
integrate how to learn with what to
learn.
 Provides an opportunity for classmates
to get together outside of class to
compare notes, to discuss important
concepts, and to develop strategies for
studying the subject in a structured
environment.
THE PURPOSE OF PASS
What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

5. Benefits of PASS
HOW DOES PASS
ASSIST STUDENTS?

6.  PASS sessions are open to all students enrolled in
the class (for high-risk courses, not high-risk
students).
 Students can involve themselves before they
experience difficulty.
 PASS sessions are structured study sessions.
BENEFITS OF PASS
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College and What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

7.  Interactive, collaborative learning.
 Reduction of attrition rates in
historically difficult classes.
 PASS students earn higher subject
grades and withdraw less often than
non-PASS participants.
 PASS Leaders assume the role of
fellow students to create a
comfortable, peer-oriented setting.
BENEFITS OF PASS
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College and What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

8. WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE
SUCCESS OF PASS?

9.  PASS Leader
 PASS Supervisor
 Class Instructor
 Students
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF
PASS

10.  Attends class.
 Takes class notes and reads all assigned
materials.
 Provides leadership for peers by acting as
a model student.
 Schedules and runs at least one study
session per week.
 Integrates content and promotes learning
skills.
 Is paid for his time and feels the euphoria
of recognition for his success (especially
if that success comes in a subject in
which the student previously viewed
himself as a failure!).
THE PASS LEADER
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

11.  Works with instructors to
place PASS Leaders.
 Trains all PASS personnel
Provides in-service,
consultations, analysis,
and supplies.
Maintains Inside PC group
to encourage collaboration
between PASS Leaders.
THE PASS SUPERVISOR
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

12.  Chooses a student who
succeeds in his or her
course.
 Student must earn an
A or a B in the class.
 Decides what role the
PASS Leader will have
in the class.
THE PASS INSTRUCTOR
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

13.  Allows PASS Leader to
make announcements to
the class.
 Encourages all students
to participate in PASS
sessions.
 Maintains an ongoing
professional relationship
with PASS Leader.
THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR
Introduction to SI Program at Anne Arundel Community College

14.  PASS is NOT intended to create
extra work for you!
 You can support PASS by
granting time for occasional in-
class announcements and be
supportive of the program by
encouraging students to attend
sessions.
 Maintain BRIEF regular
meetings with your PASS
Leader.
EXPECTATIONS OF FACULTY
What Is Supplemental Instruction (SI) at Butte College

15. WHO SHOULD
BECOME
INVOLVED WITH
PASS?

16.  Proven student success.
 Minimal work on your part.
 You choose the PASS Leader.
 He or she knows how you work.
 You have a person demonstrating
how to be your ideal student for the
entire semester!
WHY YOU SHOULD WANT AN
PASS LEADER FOR YOUR
COURSE!

17. YOU ARE
CONVINCED.
YOU WANT
PASS LEADER
IN YOUR
CLASS. NOW
WHAT?

18. 1. Watch your students this
semester and choose a
student who demonstrates
what you would like to see in
all your students.
2. Send me the student’s name
and the information for the
course in which you see the
student becoming an SI
Leader.
TWO EASY STEPS TO GETTING A
PASS LEADER OF YOUR VERY OWN

19. QUESTIONS?