The document discusses Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) at Bournemouth University. It provides an overview of PAL, how it operates through embedded weekly sessions using existing student groups, and its intended outcomes of supporting learning and being supplemental to teaching. Student surveys found that PAL helped them integrate more quickly, develop study skills, understand course material better, and prepare for assessments. PAL leaders reported gaining skills in leadership, group management, communication, confidence, organization and prioritization. The document also discusses initial challenges implementing PAL and the role of the PAL leader mentor.

1. Peer Assisted Learning UKCLE CONFERENCE 2010SUE WARNOCK & BRYAN SCANT

2. ‘supporting the first year and second experiencethrough the development of a PAL Leader’PALMentorUKCLE20102Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)

3. Overview of PALStudent experience of PAL & PAL MentoringInitial challengesOpen forumPALMentorUKCLE20103Suggested workshop format

4. PAL started at Bournemouth in 2001 - funded through FDTL3Student-to-student support scheme which draws ideas from a US scheme called Supplemental InstructionPAL fosters cross-year support between students studying on the same coursePALMentorUKCLE20104Overview of PAL at Bournemouth

5. Our purpose was to develop a scheme which:enhanced the level of support and advice available to first year undergraduate studentsencouraged students to become more actively involved in discussing the subject matter of their courseaided retention of first year students provided an environment in which PAL Leaders could practise and develop their personal and professional skillsPALMentorUKCLE20105What is PAL?

6. PAL is intended to help students:adjust quickly to university lifeacquire a clear view of course direction and expectations develop their independent learning and study skills to meet requirements of HEenhance their understanding of the subject matter of their course through collaborative group discussionprepare better for assessed work and examinationsPALMentorUKCLE201065 intended outcomes of PAL

7. Embedded: PAL sessions are timetabled sessions and run weeklyUses existing groups: PAL group is the same as the students’ normal seminar groupSupports learning: emphasis on small group discussions and co-operative learning Supplemental to teaching: subject content drawn from existing course materials (lecture notes, workbooks, textbooks, etc)PALMentorUKCLE20107How PAL operates

8. Among first year students (e-survey - 252 responses): 59% indicated that PAL helped them integrate more quickly into University life;“The activities at the start made the group bond better”.“I felt less isolated. PAL acted like a buffer and made the first year seem much less daunting”. 61% PAL helped develop their study & learning skills “Having someone that could help you prepare essay plans, especially for the first few essays. Also having an explanation of the use of footnotes and how to cite cases was helpful”.PALMentorUKCLE20108Student experience of PAL:

9. 66% PAL helped their understanding of the subject matter of their course through group discussions “I found it helpful to learn and relearn information in teams” “PAL helped clarify matters which our seminars left unclear” 77% PAL helped them prepare better for assessed course work and examinations “PAL has encouraged everyone in our class to share ideas” “There were a lot of exam tips and assignment advice”PALMentorUKCLE20109Student experience of PAL: Survey results 2005/6

10. 82% indicated that PAL helped them gain a clearer understanding of course direction & expectations; “Our PAL Leader talked about her experiences from the first year and passed on her own knowledge of how best to approach things” “PAL helped me settle into the kind of work I have to tackle, the amount of work I need to do, etc”PALMentorUKCLE201010Student experience of PAL: Survey results 2005/6

11. Leadership and group management “I’ve improved my ability to facilitate a discussion (and not take over) and be able to work within a group of people” “Through PAL I’ve improved my leadership and organisational skills”PALMentorUKCLE201011PAL Leader perspective: professional skills

12. Team working “I’m now much more patient, approachable and willing to help others”PALMentorUKCLE201012PAL Leader perspective: professional skills

13. Interpersonal communication “PAL improved my CV and is a great thing to talk about at job interviews” “After my experience as a PAL Leader I am more confident giving presentations”PALMentorUKCLE201013PAL Leader perspective: professional skills

14. Self confidence “Feeling important and developing the confidence to stand in front of people sharing experiences” “I became aware of better ways to learn and study, I got a huge confidence boost”PALMentorUKCLE201014PAL Leader perspective: personal skills

15. The role of the PAL Leader MentorLiaising with PAL TutorLiaising with PAL LeadersSupporting RolePALMentorUKCLE201015PAL Leader perspective: professional skills

16. Organising meetings Minutes of meetingsLiaising where necessary with Unit TutorsPAL Leader for 2nd Year StudentsPALMentorUKCLE201016PAL Leader perspective: professional skills

17. Organising and prioritising skills “I’m much more organised with regard to my preparation. When you know you’ve got people depending on you it definitely encourages you to get focused” “My organisational skills have improved a lot. I now organise my work more efficiently which has helped me in my degree”PALMentorUKCLE201017PAL Leader perspective: personal skills

18. Review lecture content and improve lecture notesPractise presentations and analyse what makes for a good presentationAnalyse essay questions, identify main issues to cover, use of supporting evidence, discuss essay structure, etc.Share exam revision techniques, plan outline answers to questions in past papers, etc.PALMentorUKCLE201018Examples of activities that happen in PAL sessions

19. PALMentorUKCLE201019Model of PAL session typesMeaning-oriented (understanding)PAL Leader re-explaining course subject matterClass discussion of course subject matterDiscursiveDidacticPAL Leader advising students how to achieveClass discussion on how to achieve Strategic-oriented (assessment)

20. Something new - culture changeStaff - uncertain of purpose, threat, inappropriate expectationsRecruitment of PAL LeadersPAL Leader trainingTimetabling PAL sessionsPALMentorUKCLE201020Initial challenges

21. Sue Warnock: swarnock@bournemouth.ac.ukBryan Scant PALMentorUKCLE201021Contact