Tuesday 03-03-2020 - 16:11

PALS (Peer Assisted Learning) is a well-established scheme which is run in hundreds of universities around the world and it is a great support mechanism for students. PALS is an academic mentoring programme which involves students leading study sessions for students in the years below them in order to facilitate learning in historically challenging modules. The sessions complement the teaching students receive in lectures and seminars; the leaders don’t teach in these sessions, but, rather, go over areas which students have already been introduced to, but need some help in understanding fully. Not only does it help student participants in their studies, but it is also a great opportunity for leaders to develop skills beyond their usual academic studies; skills which will be highly transferable as they go on to further study or work.

PALS has been running at QMU now for 3 years and is building momentum all the time. It started as a pilot in 2017 in the Business division, expanded into Psychology and Sociology in 2018, and again into Drama and Performance in 2019. They are continuing to expand, and next year they will have PALS in Media, Communications and Performing Arts, and Primary Education.

If you are on any of the Programmes mentioned and would like to attend PALS sessions, look out for emails telling you when they are, or look on Student Central for more information. If you are interested in becoming a PALS leader, please email us at PALS@qmu.ac.uk

Read about Luisa and Ricardo experiece with PALS. 

 

Luisa Trillig

I am Luisa and currently in third year of Business Management. This is my second year of being a PALS leader and I normally run sessions for Economics or Finance and Accounting. Before my studies at QMU I studied teaching which is why I was always keen to help others who need a bit of guidance or support. As PALS is not a taught session and more about helping each other and working together, I gained a lot of new friends. Additionally, running and preparing PALS sessions helps me to refresh topics I’ve learned previously and helps me to memorise key outcomes which are necessary to know for my whole Bachelor’s degree.

I was not only a PALS leader but also attended sessions as a student participant which helped me to meet new people and to learn how to study in groups. It also took away the pressure of “the unknown”. This was due to leaders who had done the module before. They know what lecturers are expecting and they know what is most important for a specific module. I definitely recommend to everyone going to PALS sessions, not only to those who need a bit of guidance but also to those who want to refresh their knowledge, meet new people, and learn how to engage with other students. I would also recommend to everyone to be a PALS leader because what fulfils me the most is the thankful smile after a successful session.

 

Riccardo Canova

My name is Riccardo Canova, and I'm in my fourth year of studies in MSc Psychology and Sociology. I have been a PALS leader for about one and a half years.

As a non-native speaker, the main reason why I decided to join this project was to test my communication skills while actively contributing to the academic environment.

As a fourth-year student, I am aware of those struggles that students might experience in their undergraduate education. PALS is not only about improving learning strategies. PALS sessions are run by students for students; they offer a uniquely friendly and non-judgemental environment where anyone can share their ideas and doubts.