An overview of the benefits of peer mentoring for PASS leaders

Authors

  • Melanie Giles Ulster University
  • Amanda Zacharopoulou Ulster University
  • Joan Condell Ulster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.v0i0.367

Keywords:

peer mentoring, benefits, employability skills

Abstract

PASS, which stands for Peer Assisted Study Sessions, is a long running and internationally renowned form of peer learning that involves trained higher year students (PASS leaders) working in pairs to facilitate regular study groups with students in the year below. Not only does it aim to widen participation by providing a support mechanism aimed at helping students stay in Higher Education but the use of PASS has been shown to enhance academic performance and promote the development of skills and attributes to strengthen employability. This is particularly the case for PASS leaders who are often described as the ââ¬Ëreal winnersââ¬â¢ in the process. However, research in this area is limited. With this in mind, this paper sets out to describe the particular benefits of PASS for peer leaders and, in so doing, draws on some peer mentoring research, much of which has been conducted in an American and Australian context. As such, the paper should be of particular interest to those wishing to determine whether the various claims can be generalised to the PASS process, as it currently exists within the UK.

Author Biographies

Amanda Zacharopoulou, Ulster University

Senior Lecturer, School of Law

Joan Condell, Ulster University

Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Intelligent Systems

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Published

03-05-2016

How to Cite

Giles, M., Zacharopoulou, A. and Condell, J. (2016) “An overview of the benefits of peer mentoring for PASS leaders”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. doi: 10.47408/jldhe.v0i0.367.

Issue

Special Edition: Academic Peer Learning (Part II)

Section

Papers

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