Ever find yourself sitting in a lecture, trying to take in all the information, but still feeling like something isn’t clicking? Or maybe you’ve had those moments where you really wish you could just talk things through with someone who actually gets it? Trust me, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at uni, especially when the content is tough, or you just need a bit of extra help to make sense of it all.
That’s exactly where Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at Western Sydney University come in. I recently caught up with Rachel Coulter, one of the amazing PASS facilitators, to discuss why these sessions are such a game-changer for students. Here’s what she had to say:
Coulter was quick to point out that PASS isn’t about rigid study schedules or boring lectures. Instead, it’s about creating a relaxed, informal space where students can really get stuck into the course material – together.
“We’re here to help students break down complicated concepts, but it’s not just about the facts – it’s about the conversation,” Coulter explained.
“PASS isn’t a lecture. It’s a space where you can ask questions, share struggles, and learn from each other.”
Sounds pretty good, right? But you might still be wondering: Is it actually helpful? Let me break it down for you.
- The Power of Peer-Led Learning
What makes PASS stand out is that it’s led by students who’ve been there. Coulter, for example, has already taken the subject you’re in right now and faced the same challenges. “As a facilitator, I’ve been through this material before, so I get where students might get stuck,” she said. “It’s easier to explain things in a way that feels real, rather than formal and textbook-y. Students appreciate that.”
Basically, you’re not just getting a teacher up there talking to you. You’re learning from someone who knows exactly how you’re feeling. It’s kind of like having a big brother or sister in the class who’s always got your back.
- The Benefit of Group Learning
PASS isn’t just about talking to the facilitator – it’s also about connecting with your peers. You know those times when someone sitting next to you says something that just clicks? Imagine being in a group where those ‘aha’ moments happen all the time. Coulter put it perfectly:
“The best part is the group dynamic. You don’t just learn from me; you learn from each other. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that’s where the magic happens.”
It’s amazing how much you can learn from each other when everyone’s working toward the same goal. And who knows – the person sitting next to you might have the key to understanding something you’ve been stuck on for ages.
- Confidence Boost
Let’s be real – sometimes, it’s hard to feel confident about your studies, especially when exams and assignments are looming. But one of the coolest things Coulter has seen through PASS is how much it can boost students’ confidence.
“When you go over a topic multiple times in different ways, your confidence in your understanding grows,” she shared. “It’s not about memorising the content; it’s about really owning it.”
Think about it: how good would it feel to walk into your next exam or submit your assignment knowing you truly understand the material, rather than just trying to recall facts from memory?
- Academic Results that Speak for Themselves
We all know that grades matter, but what if I told you that attending PASS could actually help improve your results? Coulter has seen it happen time and time again.
“We’ve had students come in saying they’re struggling, and by the end of the semester, they’re walking out with much better results because they understood the content in a deeper way.”
So, what if that extra bit of support could give you the edge you need to perform even better than you thought possible? Sounds like a win to me.
- It’s Free! So, why not try it?
And here’s the cherry on top: it’s all free. PASS is a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) funded program. Yep, no extra fees, no hidden costs. PASS is designed to make sure that every student, no matter what their background or previous experience, has access to support when they need it most.
“We really want to make sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Coulter said.
So, if you’re still on the fence, think about it this way: it’s a free chance to engage, connect, and really get a handle on your course material. No pressure. Just learning at your own pace with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
PASS isn’t just another service at uni – it’s a chance to connect, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re struggling to wrap your head around certain concepts or just want a little extra help, PASS is a space where you can truly engage with the material – and each other. So, if you’re ready to take your studies to the next level, why not give it a try?
You’re not alone in this journey, and sometimes all it takes is that little bit of peer-to-peer support to make everything click. Ready to get started?
Contact PASS!
If you have any questions about sessions or the program, please contact the PASS Team: pass@westernsydney.edu.au
