[O24] Exploration, experience and evaluation: Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS), sharing the experience of The

Since 1995, at the University of Manchester, staff from ‘Students as Partners’1, have supported the implementation of PASS in over 20 subjects with more than 50 % of these programmes in science based disciplines. PASS is a structured peer support scheme whereby trained, higher year students (‘PASS Leaders’) volunteer to support and facilitate the learning of 1st year students (participants). Leaders are paired up to co-lead and facilitate study sessions involving a group containing a maximum of 20 participants. The character of the PASS sessions is one of collaborative and active learning, as they are centred on discussion and interactions facilitated by the leaders. The primary purposes are to help participants to better integrate with university life and to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can engage in self-directed learning practices, compare and develop learning strategies and study skills for HE, and so improve their understanding of the subject matter. Through this student-centred approach to learning, PASS intends to engage students as partners in their learning experience. It is encouraged that for continued benefit, sessions are held weekly in a timetabled slot, which endorses the scheme in the students ’ eyes. Whilst attendance is not compulsory, PASS is presented as just another thing to attend; in this way students have to actively ‘opt out ’ rather than ‘opt in’. It is important to stress though that PASS is always considered supplemental to the core teaching and is not meant to be remedial. The PASS model is based on Supplemental Instruction (SI), which was developed at th