Information for PALS leaders

Discover everything you need to know about becoming a Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) leader

Aims

To support less experienced students in getting the most from their programme of study, and to enhance their learning from and understanding of course material through regular group PALS sessions.

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.

How to apply

To become a PALS Leader you will be required to attend a PALS Expectations Workshop in April/May and a two-day training course in September. We will run several courses so you will have some choice of dates – but you must attend both of the two days. Once your application is accepted we will send you details of the Expectations Workshops and the training course dates.

PALS training is unpaid but when you are trained you will be paid for facilitating sessions and attending debriefs. It is important that you think at this stage about how you will manage your time to ensure that you are able to continue your role throughout this period.

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. Please complete the application form (found in the Become a PALS leader section) which includes a declaration to give your consent to us discussing your application with your lecturers.

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