How to become a PALS Leader

Discover everything you need to know about becoming a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (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 become a PALS Leader, please read through the role profile and complete an online application form.

The application deadline is 21 April 2021.

In conjunction with the relevant academic staff, we consider a number of factors regarding applicant suitability for the PALS Leader role. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend PALS recruitment training sessions. We will run several courses so you will have some choice of dates – but you are expected to attend all elements of the training.

For students who may be interested in finding out more about the role plus guidance on how to submit an effective application we are offering drop-in Zoom sessions:

Thursday 18 March, 16:00 - 17:00

Friday 26 March, 11:00 - 12:00

Tuesday 20 April, 10:00 - 11:00

If you would like to receive the Zoom link for any of the above meetings or if you are unable to attend any of the drop-in sessions, but have questions regarding the recruitment process, please email: pals@plymouth.ac.uk