Peer Assisted Study Sessions for students
In semester 1 2025 the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program was launched at the University of Melbourne to offer collaborative, peer-led study groups for students to connect and support each other’s learning.
Several major first year subjects ran PASS, where students could choose to participate in extra peer-led study sessions outside of class times.
PASS was established to support first year undergraduate students in making a smoother to transition to university, staying on track academically and fostering a stronger sense of belonging and emotional wellbeing. It also helped to create an additional layer of academic and emotional support to complement the typical classroom experience.
PASS sessions were run by students, called PASS Leaders, who had recently completed the subject with high marks. These weekly optional sessions were structured to help participants understand the subject content, enhance the learning experience, develop study skills, build connections with other students, and improve academic performance.
“I wasn’t just supporting students with academic content, I was helping them adjust to university life, build confidence, and find community. Week after week, I looked forward to the insightful questions, thoughtful discussions, and kind conversations that made every session so enjoyable” said Lien Duong, a student PASS Leader.
PASS Leaders provided approachable guidance to fellow students, offering support was often more relatable and accessible than traditional teaching methods.
The leaders were supported by Subject Coordinators and dedicated training workshops which helped strengthen their skills and confidence to lead the sessions.
“Facilitating peer-assisted study sessions gave me the opportunity to strengthen my skills in creating inclusive, collaborative learning environments. One key lesson I took away is the importance of flexibility and responsiveness—being ready to adapt when group dynamics shift or when students are at different stages in their learning” said Yi Ding a student PASS Leader.
Subject Coordinators, like Dr Wasana Karunarathne the Subject Coordinator for Qualitative Methods 1, worked with student leaders and helped to align these PASS sessions with the subject’s curriculum and goals.
Subject Coordinators encouraged students to participate in the program and supported the student leaders with content and questions for the sessions, skillfully designing these to complement classroom learning.
They saw the program as a great example of how teachers can support student learning in a different way and recognised its benefits for participating students.
“Having an extra layer of support from students who have already completed the subject is incredibly valuable. PASS Leaders bring a relatable perspective, and their shared experiences can help current students feel more comfortable, ask questions more freely, and learn strategies that worked for others in similar situations” said Wasana.
Many subject coordinators found that students who participated in PASS were able to build academic skills, navigate the subject better, and could see which areas they might need more support in.
With the support of Subject Coordinators across the University, PASS will be running in several subjects in semester 2 2025. You can find out more about the program on the PASS website.