A first year experience of student-directed peer-assisted learning

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a same-year peer-assisted learning (PAL) scheme, introduced in the first year of an undergraduate degree. The students participated in voluntary timetabled PAL sessions which encouraged a cooperative approach through student-directed activities. An action research design was used, and evaluation at each stage led to subsequent modifications over three years of implementation. Evaluation showed that the majority of students agreed that PAL helped with social aspects of learning but not that PAL contributed to improved study skills or assignment preparation. Between stages 1 and 2 small yet significant improvements in satisfaction occurred, and these continued in stage 3 when clearer guidance was provided. Based on our experience, PAL may provide effective learning environments; however, those interested in implementing it should be warned that it is not an easy option, and students need help to structure sessions effectively.

[1]  F. Marton,et al.  Approaches to learning , 2003 .

[2]  A. Wadoodi,et al.  Twelve tips for peer-assisted learning: a classic concept revisited , 2002, Medical teacher.

[3]  Aytaç Göğüş.  Peer learning and assessment , 2012 .

[4]  G. Sadlo.  Problem-based Learning in the Development of an Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Part 2: The BSc at the London School of Occupational Therapy , 1994 .

[5]  K. Topping.  The effectiveness of peer tutoring in further and higher education: A typology and review of the literature , 1996 .

[6]  R. Ladyshewsky.  Peer‐Assisted Learning in Clinical Education: A Review of Terms and Learning Principles , 2000 .

[7]  J. Currens,et al.  The 2:1 Clinical Placement Model: Review , 2003 .

[8]  D. Schunk.  Self-Regulated Learning: The Educational Legacy of Paul R. Pintrich , 2005 .

[9]  Dennis H. Congos,et al.  Inside Supplemental Instruction Sessions: One Model of What Happens that Improves Grades and Retention. , 1998 .

[10]  Noel Entwistle,et al.  Identifying students at risk through ineffective study strategies , 1996 .

[11]  John M. Smith.  Individual and Organisational Learning , 2001 .

[12]  N. Purdie,et al.  Effects of Learning Skills Interventions on Student Learning: A Meta-Analysis , 1996 .

[13]  Nancy Falchikov,et al.  Learning Together: Peer Tutoring in Higher Education , 2001 .

[14]  Sinclair Goodlad,et al.  Peer Tutoring: A Guide to Learning by Teaching , 1989 .

[15]  J. Currens,et al.  The 2:1 Clinical Placement Model , 2003 .

[16]  M. Boekaerts.  Self-Regulated Learning. , 1999 .

[17]  D. Kember,et al.  Avoider and Engager Approaches by Out-of-Class Groups: The Group Equivalent to Individual Learning Approaches. , 2004 .

[18]  Stuart Capstick,et al.  Peer Assisted Learning in an Undergraduate Hospitality Course: Second Year Students Supporting First Year Students in Group Learning , 2002 .

[19]  L. Unwin,et al.  Approaches to learning , 2002 .

[20]  David Kember,et al.  Influence of the Curriculum and Learning Environment on Group Learning Approaches Outside the Classroom , 2003 .