What is PALG?

The Peer Assisted Learning Group Program consists of regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated study sessions. These sessions usually meet once a week and focus on material from lecture and readings.

The PALG sessions are open to all students of the course. Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. PALG offers students an opportunity to compare notes, discuss course material, and develop study strategies which work for that subject. Students who successfully completed the course during a previous semester lead the PALG sessions. The relaxed atmosphere is designed to encourage group work and collaborative learning.

What should you expect of a PALG session?

PALG sessions are structured differently than private tutoring and exam review sessions. At each PALG session, the PALG leader guides students through recent course material. In most sessions, students work in groups, share what they have learned with others, and often present solutions on the board.

Leaders do not lecture during sessions. Their job is to help students think about the daily course material, as well as to put it together into a more global perspective. While reinforcing material, leaders often emphasize study strategies such as note taking, organization, vocabulary review, problem solving, techniques of questioning, and test preparation.

When do PALG sessions start?

On the first day of class students fill out a survey providing answers about their interest and availability. Based upon the surveys, the PALG leader will schedule at least one session per week at a time most students are available. Sessions usually begin during the second week of classes.

Who can be a PALG leader?

Any student who has successfully completed the PALG-designated course is eligible to apply to be a leader. PALG leaders attend all class sessions, take notes, read all assigned material, work through all problem sets, and conduct at least one hour-long session each week.

For more information on the PALG program please contact the Dean of Faculty's office at 753-6952. To inquire about becoming a leader, contact the Dean of Faculty's office or the leader supervisor, Grace Coulombe at 786-8374.

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Peer Assisted Learning Group FAQs.

What should I bring to a PALG session?
PALG sessions are informal. Just bring your lecture notes, textbook, and a calculator (when necessary). Don't forget to bring questions!

Will it hurt my grade if I don't attend sessions?
No. The professors of the PALG associated courses are not given any information regarding which students attend PALG sessions.

What classes have Peer Assisted Learning Groups?
While the actual courses change every semester, PALG sessions are usually associated with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses. Recently, PALGs have been offered for the following courses:
*Chemistry 107A & B
*Chemistry 108A & B
*Chemistry 217 & 218
*Biology 101
*Biology 242
*Physics 107 & 108

Where are PALG sessions held?
This differs for each class. Information on scheduling and location of sessions is provided by the PALG leader during the first week of classes.

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What students have said about the
PALG Program:

"The best part about the sessions is that she came up with very good, overarching questions to get us to think about the material and not just the problem at hand."

"My confidence in the subject was always stronger after I left my PALG sessions. I am definitely going to take more science courses."

"For people who aren"t very confident in their math and science skills, attending PALG sessions are very worthwhile, especially when you cannot effectively study on your own."

"I liked most that [the leader] never gave us the answers, but helped us think through the answers ourselves."

"Having to explain stuff to other people is really helpful (writing on the board)."

"It boosted my level of confidence in my abilities in science."

"The PALG was very helpful. It helped me to study every week and do better."

"PALG is amazing and is a BIG reason why I understand organic chemistry. The sessions helped me tremendously."

10/2007