SI-PASS, Peer-Assisted Study Sessions

SI-PASS is an academic support model that is based on learning together with others, where students regularly meet in small study groups under the guidance of an SI leader. The intention is, mainly, to bridge the differences in study methods that appears when moving from high school to university.

On a university level, much more time is required for independent studies - in other words, students are expected to take greater personal responsibility for their academic studies.

The main idea of SI is that a more experienced student acts as a guide or role model in a certain subject. The SI leader's role is not to replace the teacher, but rather to help students learn from each other. The SI leader should prepare and lead conversations concerning specific parts of a course that students find challenging. And so, the main purpose of the SI leader is to help the students find answers together. 

SI can primarily be seen as an approach to learning where inner motivation and curiosity are driving forces, with an emphasis on self-directed and collective learning. The idea of SI is to augment the learning of a subject through the exchange of thoughts and ideas between students.

Students increase their chances for better study results, learn to learn and at the same time create network of fellow students. Other skills that may improve are problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking and public presentation skills.

The purpose of SI is to:

• Improve study results
• Provide strategies and study techniques that help students pass their classes
• Contribute to better time management
• Promote teamwork
• Improve critical thinking

SI-PASS was developed in the United States in the 1970's at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, aiming to improve student retention and success within targeted historically difficult courses. SI-PASS as a concept has seen great success and has been adopted at more than 1,500 colleges and universities in around thirty countries.

Lund University is the European center for SI-PASS. You can read more on their website.

The purpose of SI is to support you, the student, in your studies.

SI can help students achieve good study results and strengthen their performances regardless of their previous knowledge, experiences, or backgrounds. The SI sessions are scheduled approximately once per week.

The SI sessions are led by a more experienced student who has taken the course previously, a so-called SI leader, who has completed special training for the job. The plan is fo students to meet in study groups outside the regular schedule to discuss thoughts and ideas concerning crucial concepts and theories presented withtin the course. The role of the SI leader is to guide the students through a course's study material and to help them develop new learning methods. 

By attending SI sessions, you can learn study techniques and improve your understanding of the course and subject. You will have the opportunity to compare notes, discuss problems and concepts, as well as further develop your study skills. 

By attending SI sessions, you can learn study techniques and improve your understanding of the course and subject. You will have the opportunity to compare notes, discuss problems and concepts, as well as further develop your study skills. In this way, your study time can become more efficient and the opportunities to achieve better study results increase. What distinguishes an SI session from a regular seminar is that the students themselves decide on the content, and that the SI leader is not a teacher.

The mood is relaxed and safe. There are no "stupid questions". You should feel confident enough to bring up things that you might not want to ask the teacher about.

The benefits of participating in the SI sessions are many, such as:

• Improving your study technique
• Immersing yourself in different subjects
• Pass your courses more easily and get your credits

Furthermore, you will also train for your future career by practising temwork, synthesising and drawing conclusions by sharing information, and questioning and thinking critically.

Would you like to work a few extra hours a week during autumn semester? Want to develop your leadership skills? Want to help others succeed in their studies? Then the job as an SI leader might be for you.

Working as an SI leader gives you an opportunity for personal development by guiding and helping groups of students to achieve better results in their studies, while earning a bit of extra income. 

You should be interested in pedagogy and leadership, enjoy working in groups and sharing your knowledge. In addition, you should be interested in learning how to get students engaged and motivated in their studies.

What does it mean to work as an SL leader?

Together with a group of students, you use different strategies/methods to help students process what the teacher covered during their lectures. As an SI leader, you act as a group leader, not a teacher, getting the students to reflect on key concepts, theories and course literature as well as helping to generate discussion and solve problems.

As an SI leader, you receive an hourly rate and:

• Leadership skills
• In-depth understanding of the subject
• Practice speaking in front of a group
• The opportunity to make new contacts with students, teachers and other SI leaders
• A sense of community within the subject
• Skills that are sought after by employers
• A work certificate

You will also, before you start with the SI work, attend a 2-day SI leadership training course where you will learn everything you need to become a good SI leader.

How do I become an SI leader?

Application and filling of SI leadership positions takes place during the spring semester.

Minimum requirements to become an SI leader?

• Completed the course you will be leading
• Received a passing grade in said course
• Are caught up with your studies
• A recommendation from a previous SI leader/teacher
• Good communication skills and social abilities
• Be able to participate in the SI leadership training that takes place mid August each year.

If you are interested in working as an SI leader, please contact Kajsmari Engdahl at the Office of Student Affairs, kajsmari.engdahl@lnu.se

• Network Security Programme
• Peace and Development Programme
• The Marketing Programme
• Visual Communication + Change