SI-PASS UMinho – Supplemental Instruction-Peer Assisted Study Sessions – is a collaborative learning program for academic success, based on collaborative study sessions promoted by student leaders, previously selected and trained, and accompanied by a supervisor.

The University of Minho is the first higher education institution in Portugal to implement SI-PASS, a highly internationally recognized program, implemented in 75 Higher Education Institutions across Europe, in which more than 80,000 students participate every year.

The goal is not to replace teaching or repeat lessons. In SI-PASS sessions, students work together to understand concepts, discuss problems, develop learning strategies, and gain confidence in their ability to learn.

The student leader is not a teacher, nor an explainer. Their role is to facilitate peer learning, promoting participation, discussion, reasoning and collaboration.

In this way, SI-PASS seeks to contribute to:

– Improve the teaching and learning experience;

– Promote active and collaborative learning;

– Strengthen academic success;

– Support students in particularly challenging curricular units;

– Strengthen the sense of belonging and academic community;

– Develop communication, leadership and collaboration skills in student leaders.

The program started in October 2026 in five pioneering schools and institutes of UMinho, including the School of Engineering, with “Introduction to Process Engineering”, of the Degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering, being the pilot Curricular Unit, with 6 student leaders, 45 participating students and 2 SI-PASS supervisors.

Mais info: https://www.usaae.uminho.pt/pt/Estudantes/SI-PASS