www.bournemouth.ac.uk 1

PAL Leader Training at Bournemouth University

National HE STEM Programme – South West Spoke

Steve Parton – PAL CoordinatorVicki Noad – Peer Mentoring Assistant

www.bournemouth.ac.uk 2

What we will cover:

• PAL at BU• PAL Initial Training• PAL Follow-Up Training• PAL Online Communities • How Training has Developed (2001-2011)

• Feedback from Leaders• Future Goals

www.bournemouth.ac.uk 3

PAL at BU: The role of the PAL

Leader

• PAL Leaders do not teach

• Facilitate discussion/share experiences

• Weekly/fortnightly sessions

• PAL integrated into course programmes

(Fleming & Hurne 2004)

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Aims of PAL

To help students:

• adjust quickly to university life;

• acquire a clear view of course direction and expectations;

• develop their independent learning and study skills to meet the requirements of higher education;

• enhance their understanding of the subject matter of their course through collaborative group discussion;

• prepare better for assessed work and examinations.

(Fleming 2009A)

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Overview: Training PAL Leaders

Training comprises of:

• 2 days of Initial Training for new Leaders in June/September (Compulsory)

• Weekly Follow-Up Training throughout 1st Term (Optional)

(Fleming 2009)

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Aims of Initial Training

To provide leaders with:

• An overview of main ideas upon which PAL is based

• Activities and techniques that leaders should use to run sessions effectively and structure group discussions

• Awareness of various situations that may arise and evaluate best ways to approach them

• Opportunities to put skills and techniques into practice

• Opportunities to meet experienced PAL Leaders

(Fleming 2009B)

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Initial Training Approach

Modelling:• Create active learning environment which

models approach Leaders use in their PAL sessions

• Variety of small group learning techniques – pairs, rounds, pyramid, jigsaw, etc.

• Frequently move leaders around• Emphasis on re-directing questions

Logistics: • Optimum number of Leaders for initial

training is 30• Room layout• Make considerable use of PAL Leader

Student Guide• Record responses to discussions

(Fleming 2009B)

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Content of Initial Training 2011

Day 1:• What PAL is about• Experiences of PAL• How to run PAL sessions

(Video and Discussion)• Resources available on

VLE (PAL Central & course-specific PAL Communities)

• Similarities & Differences between PAL & Teaching

• Simulated PAL Sessions• Debriefing on Simulated

PAL Sessions

Day 2:• Simulated PAL Sessions• Debriefing on Simulated

PAL Sessions• Additional Learning

Support awareness• Cultural awareness • Q & A session with

experienced PAL Leader• Boundary Setting • Meet Course Contact• Planning First Session

(Smith et al. 2011)

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PAL Online Communities

(Smith 2009)

PAL Leaders are granted Read-Only access to all Level C Units

Each course has its own PAL Community just for PAL Leaders and Level C Students

All PAL Leaders, Course Contacts, and PAL Co-ordination Team have access to PAL Central

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• Weekly additional training throughout 1st Term

• Topics include: o BU Student Development Awardo Student Representation o More Productive Group worko Study Habits and Time Managemento Plagiarism and Referencingo New Skills and Your CV

PAL Follow Up Training

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How Training has Developed (2001-2011)

201120092007200520032001

2001-2004:HEFCE Funded

Project aimed at raising attrition

rates

2011:151 PAL Leaders trained

2008:Buddy Scheme(Final year Top-Up students)

2010:Streamlined PAL Leader Guide and

available on PAL Central

2010:PAL Online

Communities

2001:PAL introduced, 3-8 PAL Leaders

in School of Tourism

2 Day Initial Training

2011:Monthly

Newsletter for Leaders

2002:Weekly/bi-

weekly training offered

2002-2010:PAL expands to

all schools

2007:PAL Leader

Video

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Feedback from Leaders

Training helped understand the role of a PAL Leader:

“Learning the importance of guiding students to the correct answer rather than giving them the answer,”

– PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

“Support their learning rather than teaching them new things,”

–PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

“Knowing what the boundaries in PAL are,” – PAL Leader Training 22-23 September 2011

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Feedback from Leaders

Training will be useful for running sessions:

“It was great to have the opportunity to try out some techniques and good fun,”

– PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

“Developing an awareness of re-directing questions,”–PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

“Discussing situations that may arise and how to deal with them,”

– PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

“Learning how to manage groups by effective learning techniques such as the pyramid and asking the right kinds of questions,”

– PAL Leader Training 22-23 September 2011

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Feedback from Leaders

Training developed Leaders personally:

“Made us think what to do,” – PAL Leader Training 15-16 September 2011

“The simulated PAL sessions were good because it involved everyone and gives you an understanding of what’s expected and how it feels,”

– PAL Leader Training 22-23 September 2011

“In showing where my strengths and weakness are,”

– PAL Leader Training 22-23 September 2011

“Gaining my personal confidence before my first time as a PAL leader,”

– PAL Leader Training 19-20 September 2011

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• Further enhance training by producing a video with current PAL Leaders about their experience

• Focus groups with PAL Leaders; and also with PAL Groups

• Explore demand for PAL across all academic years and training needs

Goals for the Future

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Any Questions?

Thank you!

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References Cited

Fleming, H., 2009A. Peer Assisted Learning (PAL): an overview. Poole: Bournemouth University. Available from:

http://pal.bournemouth.ac.uk/ [Accessed 22 October 2011].

Fleming, H, 2009B. Training PAL Leaders. Poole: Bournemouth University. Available from: http://pal.bournemouth.ac.uk/training.html [Accessed 26 October 2011].

Fleming, H., and Hurne, J., 2004. PAL Project: Final Report. Mar. 2004. Poole: Bournemouth University. Available from:

http://pal.bournemouth.ac.uk/documents/final_report.pdf [Accessed 27 October 2011].

Smith, T., 2010. PAL Central. Poole: Bournemouth University .

Available from:

https://mybu.bournemouth.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp [Accessed 20 October 2011].

Smith, T., Parton, S., Knight, M., and Fleming, H., 2011. Peer Assisted Learning Student Guide 2011-2012. Poole: Bournemouth University. [Unpublished]

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Further Reading

Capstick, S., and Fleming, H., 2004. The Learning Environment of Peer Assisted Leaning. Poole: Bournemouth University. Available from: http://pal.bournemouth.ac.uk/documents/Lrng%20Envirmnt%20of%20PAL%204.pdf [Accessed 21 November 2011].

Jacobs, G., Hurley, M., and Unite, C. 2008. How learning theory creates a foundation for SI leader training. The Australasian Journal of Peer Learning, 1 (1), 6-12.

Lipsky, S. A. 2006. A credit-bearing course for SI training leaders. In M. E. Stone & G. Jacobs., eds. Supplemental Instruction: New visions for empowering student learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 33- 42.