PAL is a student-driven support scheme which aims to provide newer undergraduates with any help required to further their personal development and academic understanding in a variety of subject areas. Sessions are regularly timetabled and offer an environment for lower year students to work in a highly informal, non-threatening environment. The PAL scheme is overseen by a few members of staff, but the sessions are faciliated by capable higher year undergradautes known as PAL leaders.
Peer-assisted learning is:
- A scheme in which PAL leaders aid the development and understanding of newer students. PAL leaders have been trained to organise and facilitate weekly study support sessions
- Structured to give students a chance to: adjust quickly to university life; improve their study habits and enhance their understanding of the subject through group discussions
- Beneficial to the university experience for both participants and PAL leaders.
Peer assisted learning is not:
- There to reduce student-lecturer contact. PAL sessions are optional additional support and you must still attend all lectures, workshops and labs to truly benefit from your course
- Targeted at “weak” or “underachieving” students. It's available for anyone who needs help
- Teaching by senior students The PAL leaders are only there to advise and provide guidance.
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