How to become a PALS Leader

Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leaders plan and deliver facilitated regular group study sessions for students in the year below on the same course.

PALS Leaders use techniques to encourage collaborative learning in a relaxed and friendly environment to enable students to connect more with their course materials and peers, and boost their learning and study techniques.

Becoming a PAL Leader has many benefits. You can:

Develop the soft skills employers look for through planning, organising, time management and liaising with students and staff
be equipped with mentoring and facilitation techniques
connect with other students, which will help you form a community during your degree
have the opportunity to attend a series of additional PAL events, workshops and conferences, both internally and externally
receive payment for each session delivered and debrief attended.

Main responsibilities

To work with one other PALS leader to run one hour sessions (usually weekly or fortnightly). These sessions will run through the autumn and spring semesters.

To plan and prepare interactive sessions to encourage discussion and support for learning.

To establish and maintain contact with members of your PALS group and to liaise regularly with them to establish session content.

To meet regularly in debriefs with your PALS academic lead.

To keep registers and assist with the review, evaluation and feedback processes of PALS.

To attend a half day Expectations Workshop in April/May, and a two-day training course in September.

We are looking for people who:

have successfully completed their current course stage by September.

are highly motivated to learn new skills

can work in teams

want to enhance the learning process for other students

are coping well with their studies so far.

In addition, we are looking for Leaders who can demonstrate:

Good listening and communication skills

Experience of supporting and helping others

Initiative and resourcefulness

Effective self-organisational and time management skills.

How to apply

To apply to be a PALS Leader you will need to complete an online application form: PALS Application

The deadline for applications is the 20 March 2020.

If your application is shortlisted you will be invited to attend a PALS recruitment training day in August/September. We will run several courses so you will have some choice of dates – but you must attend the whole day.

We will consider a number of factors in assessing your suitability for the role of PALS Leader and we may want to discuss your application with a member of academic staff who has taught you.

To find out more about becoming a PALS Leader, and for guidance on how to submit an effective application please attend one of our open hour sessions:

Date: Thursday 5 and Thursday 19 March.

Time: 14.00–16.00.

Location: Student Hub.