About SI-PASS

What is SI-PASS?

SI-PASS is a collaborative peer learning model developed in the 1970s by Deanna Martin at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). It helps students excel in challenging courses. 

 How does SI-PASS work?

• Students meet regularly in groups of 5–15 participants, led by an SI-PASS leader.
• SI-PASS leaders are upper-level students who have already taken the course. They act as facilitators, guiding discussions, clarifying concepts, and encouraging active learning.
• SI-PASS leaders don't lecture; they guide students to find answers together and to work effectively and purposefully in the group.
• SI-PASS sessions target specific course topics students find challenging.

SI-PASS leaders take a special two-day course in SI-PASS strategies and leadership.

How are groups composed?

A large body of research shows that SI-PASS is a very effective tool for improving students’ study results. SI-PASS is not just a remedial support programme. It is not specifically designed for students who are facing challenges, but its focus is on creating groups with a diversity of perspectives and skills.

Research shows that the most effective group, in which all members gain the most, is a combination of students with different levels of proficiency. SI-PASS is therefore aimed at all students.