Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) is an academic mentoring program of guided study groups, usually aimed at first year students transitioning from high school to university. Sessions are facilitated weekly, with groups of 20 to 30 students in specific units. The PASS leader directs content areas based on the previous week’s lectures and personal experience. PASS Leaders are students with strong academic records who have successfully completed the units they are facilitating. They are friendly peers that impart useful study skills, encourage active university life, help mentees make friendships in class, and motivate students to do the required work to achieve desired results.

PASS incorporates what to learn with how to learn. It is a facilitated session run by a PASS leader that uses a range of activities to promote active and independent learning. PASS always encourages learning and is a great opportunity to assist with preparing for assessments and end of semester exams

The program will commence on week 3 of a teaching semester and last till week 12 of the semester. The program is conducted virtually via zoom weekly.

PASS leaders facilitate PASS group study sessions and need to be supportive, inclusive and focused on the needs of students. PASS leaders will not be teaching or reteaching new material but will instead be guiding students to find their own answers, encouraging them to use university resources and collaborate with other students. It is a supplemental program to lectures, tutorials and workshops.

A PASS leader runs one-hour PASS sessions a week. PASS leaders are paid and have the opportunity to participate in the program for several semesters. Experienced leaders have the opportunity to train new leaders as well as other opportunities. Training will be provided to the PASS leader before undertaking the leadership role for the program.

Participants said that:

  • PASS leaders were friendly, engaging, and helpful.
  • PASS sessions were useful for the revision of unit content.
  • they felt comfortable with asking questions during PASS sessions.
  • the incorporation of online activities (e.g. Kahoot) facilitated a more fun and interactive learning environment.
  • explanations, worksheets and notes provided by PASS leaders were helpful for revision purposes.

Following are a few notes from participants:

"PASS sessions helped strengthen the fundamental understanding in each topic, giving us another platform to relearn and revise".

"PASS leaders provided worksheets for us to complete that helped to refresh my memory about the chapter. It also made me feel more confident to answer questions in assessments".

"PASS leaders were really kind and helpful as they were also patient in answering our doubts which made me really enjoy the PASS session. It is a very informative session as we can learn how to apply our knowledge in exams. Thank you !"

Sem 1 PASS Units

  • PHR1011
  • PHR1021
  • PHR1031
  • BPS1021
  • BPS1031

Sem 2 PASS Units

  • BPS1022
  • BPS1032
  • BPS1012

Student

  1. How do I register for the PASS Session?

    The slot will be opened the week before the session through the Allocate+.

  2. How many students per session?

    3. It usually is 20 students per session. But each unit may set it differently.

PASS Leader

  1. Is training provided to the PASS Leader?

    Yes. The training will be provided normally during week 0.

  2. When I will get the payment?

    At the end of the semester.

  3. Could you explain about the payment?

    PASS leader will be paid RM40 per hour.

  4. Besides teaching in each session, what are the responsibilities of the PASS Leader?
  • Conduct PASS sessions ideally on weeks 3-12.
  • Leaders are expected to be on time for all sessions.
  • Proactively engage with students according to the PASS guidelines.
  • Sessions combine subject specific content with skill development to create a community of independent learners.
  • Leaders can revise any material covered in the lectures or tutorials in their sessions.
  • Leaders cannot answer specific questions taken from assessable material.
  • If a Leader is unable to attend a session, they must notify PASS participants and inform the School coordinator and campus PASS coordinator team and organise a replacement session.
  • Assist in informing the PASS participants to fill up the online feedback form.
  • Refer any PASS specific problems to their respective school PASS Coordinators and refer content specific problems to their respective lecturers and tutors.