Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences

What is PAL?

PAL is the Peer Assisted Learning Program: a peer-run cooperative learning scheme for students.  

PAL gives first year students enrolled in core units the opportunity to work collaboratively in small groups with guidance from trained student leaders who have recently completed the unit successfully.

The focus is on the group and on learning together.  Peer learning is recognized as a powerful learning technique and research has shown that students who study together outside the classroom achieve better results.

PAL is a program where students work together to:

• consolidate understanding
• reinforce key concepts
• develop effective study strategies

PAL consists of ten one-hour weekly voluntary sessions led by student leaders.  Group members should bring questions about the unit's content to the group meetings and be willing to discuss questions raised by other group members.  The group meetings are moderated discussion sessions, not remedial tutorials, and their success depends on the active participation of the group members.

Semester two PAL timetable is now available.  Registration for PAL is via  WebCT .  For more information about PAL or how to register please contact Dr Joanne Castelli (Program coordinator)

Testimonials from semester 1 participants

“The best thing about PAL was being able to talk with a student who has been through the unit and is able to give us their perspective on it”

“I was given really useful tools for revision”

“The enthusiasm and intelligence of the leader was inspirational. Reminds you learning is fun and not really a chore”

“It was helpful to hear other peoples tips for study techniques”

“If I wasn't sure about something someone else knew it. We helped each other and this helped me learn a lot”

“A great interactive way to review subject material. It helped me consolidate what I had learnt”

“Personal experience from the tutor helped in getting a feel of what exam questions were like”