Demystifying Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS): What…?, How….?, Who…? Why…?

Marcia Ody: [email protected]

Teaching and Learning Manager, The University of Manchester University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Consultant, Centre for Excellence in Enquiry-Based Learning Independent Consultant Marcia Ody

Workshop outline

• Supplemental Instruction • PASS and The University of Manchester Model – Why, What, How… • Experiencing PASS • Benefits • Practicalities University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

• 1973 – pioneered at UMKC • Establishment of International Centre for SI (http://www.umkc.edu/cad/si/) • Internationally renowned academic support & retention program • Over 1500 institutions in 29 countries have participated in SI training workshops • Training delivered by UMKC & National Certified trainers • 1990s - Kingston University adapted the USA model of SI for use in British Higher Education Institutions • Adoption of 21 Principles • Name change University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

21 Principles of SI

1. is a methodology for learner support 2. is small group learning 3. is facilitated by other students acting as mentors 4. is confidential 5. is voluntary 6. is non-remedial 7. is participative 8. is content-based and process-oriented University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

21 Principles of SI

9.

encourages collaborative, rather than competitive learning 10. benefits all students regardless of current academic competency 11. gives privacy to practise the subject, make mistakes and build up confidence 12. gives opportunity to increase academic performance 13. is pro-active, not reactive 14. targets high `risk ´ courses, not high `risk´ students 15. decreases drop-out rates and aids retention University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

21 Principles of SI

16. encourages learner autonomy 17. does not create dependency 18. integrates effective learning strategies within the course content 19. enables a clear view of course expectations 20. works in the language of the discipline 21. challenges the barrier between year groups University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

The main purpose of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

• Support the student learning experience by encouraging collaborative, exploratory discussion in a safe environment • Improve academic performance and achievement and increase retention • Provide an additional mechanism for communication and feedback between teaching staff and students • Encourage a student centred approach to learning through greater peer interaction • Enhance the learning experience and Personal Development of PASS leaders University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

The PASS Approach

• Trained student leaders facilitate study sessions in pairs • PASS is voluntary • Content is based on course materials • PASS leaders are engaged in: – sharing their experience – facilitating discussion rather than re-teaching the subject • Students compare notes, clarify what they read and hear, analyse, criticise, question and seek verification of ideas University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Main Features of PASS

(Produced as a leaflet for 1 st year students)

• PASS is about exploratory discussion, not being told the answers • PASS is about active learning- learning by discussing and thinking • The more everyone joins in, the better sessions will work • The PASS leader is here to facilitate, to help YOU learn, find the answers by discussion and the use of lecture notes • PASS is a safe place to admit not understanding • The PASS leader is NOT here to teach or tell you the answers • You can decide what is discussed in PASS sessions • PASS is not a replacement for lectures, seminars, etc- it is there to back them up.

• PASS is confidential • PASS is informal, friendly and hopefully FUN!

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

The University of Manchester’s model summarised:

PASS establishes a supportive environment, enabling deeper conceptual understanding of fundamental academic principles and increasing individual confidence rather than superficial strategic learning to pass exams University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008

PASS Session in action

Marcia Ody

Can you spot the PASS leaders?

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

The 3 workshops

Workshop 1

Introduction History of SI PASS at Manchester 21 Principles First year experience Facilitation Communication

Workshop 2

Icebreaker Questioning Thinking and Learning Group Discussions Mock PASS Sessions

Workshop 3B

Promoting PASS Your First Session

…ongoing training!

Workshop 3A

Mock PASS Session Effective Listening Communication Cycle Difficult Incidents Benefits of Group Work What to do now…?!

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 • Only by ‘SI-Supervisor’ trained by UMKC • Continually stress ‘supplemental to teaching’

and

that they will facilitate, not teach Marcia Ody

Manchester Scheme

Where is it?

1995

– 1 discipline and 10 student leaders

2005

– 11 disciplines and 250 student leaders

2008

– 14 disciplines and 350+ student leaders

also piloting in higher years Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Economics, Music, Econometrics Middle Eastern Studies and Psychology

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Range of approaches

• Content of session – Based on whole course – Generic module (building blocks) – Specific (historically difficult) module • Structure of session – Student led and Agenda based – PASS sheet • Size of scheme – 5 leaders to 80 leaders University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Case Studies

• Life Sciences – 70 Leaders, Whole course material/Tutorial group • Chemistry – 54 Leaders, General Chemistry/ PASS Sheet • Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering – 40 Leaders, Specific module/agenda discussion • Computer Science – 34 Leaders, Specific module/PASS Sheet University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

University of Ulster 28 th November 2008

Experiencing PASS

Marcia Ody

Benefits of PASS

• Institutional & Faculty Level – Improving the student experience & academic performance – Reducing student drop out rates – Widening access to an increasingly diverse student body • School & Discipline Level – Providing staff with regular & ongoing feedback – Highlighted as good practice by QAA – Improves student study skills – Fostering a spirit of community University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Benefits of PASS

• Student Level – Provides support & guidance – Non-threatening & non-remedial – Social benefits – Increased academic confidence – Improved communication, teamwork, collaborative problem solving & interpersonal skills University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

PASS in FLS?

Impact of PASS on BL1521 results (genes and evolution)

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

42 45 53 47 42 22 6 7 22

mean mark % % of students with mark <40% (fail) n=158, PASS not offered n=178, PASS <4 % of students with mark >=70% n=54, PASS >=4 HEA Centre for Bioscience – Science Learning & Teaching Conference 2007 http://www.sltc.heacademy.ac.uk/proceedings.htm

Fostier.M et al (2007)

PASS in FLS?

Impact of PASS on BL1521 mark distribution (genes and evolution)

15 10 5 0 35 30 25 20 0-9% 10-19% 20-29% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100% n=158, PASS not offered, mean = 42 HEA Centre for Bioscience n=178, PASS <4, http://www.sltc.heacademy.ac.uk/proceedings.htm

mean = 45 n=54, PASS >=4 , mean = 53 – Science Learning & Teaching Conference 2007 Fostier.M et al (2007)

Benefits of PASS

• PASS Leaders – Personal development opportunity – Skills development - leadership, communication, teamwork etc – Opportunity to reflect, review and re-evaluate – Increased academic performance – Recognition and Reward University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

PASS in Computer Science Impact on Leader results

School of Computer Science • PASS Leaders – Class C (PASS Leader in 2 nd and 3 rd year) Class C2 (PASS Leader only in 2 nd year) Class C3 (PASS Leader only in 3 rd year) Class D (not a PASS Leader) – Sample size Leaders for all years (n=143) Embury. S et al (2006)

PASS in Computer Science Impact on Leader results

75 School of Computer Science 70 65 Class C Class C2 Class C3 Class D 60 55 50 Embury. S et al (2006) Year 2 Year 3

PASS Leader Support

• Ongoing training – Advanced Facilitation Skills – Learning Theory – Group Dynamics – PricewaterhouseCoopers Personal Development and Effectiveness Training • Surgeries • Debrief • Student and Staff Coordinators University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody

Structure – how is it set up?

Teaching and Learning Manager [email protected]

Quality Assurance, Training, Specialist Advice Teaching and Learning Adviser [email protected]

Trained SI Supervisors Faculty Internships University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Staff Coordinator PASS Leaders Student Coordinators Students Marcia Ody

Practicalities

• Identification of central support & co-ordination • Approval, awareness & value of PASS by course teaching team • Training of staff • Levels of implementation – Consultation with staff & students • Timetabling of PASS • Recruitment of PASS leaders • Training of leaders • Co-ordination & ongoing support • Monitoring & evaluation • Ability & resource to support the enthusiast University of Ulster 28 th November 2008 Marcia Ody