Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) is a scheme that fosters cross-year support between students on the same course. We were one of the first UK universities to establish a PAL scheme and have been running this initiative since 2001, where it has seen considerable growth, currently operating in the majority of Foundation and all undergraduate programmes at BU.
PAL encourages students to support each other and to learn collaboratively under the guidance of trained students, called PAL Leaders, from the year above.
PAL has five main aims and is intended 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 exams.
PAL guidance
We've put together a series of guidance to provide our students and staff with all of the support and information they need:
Student testimonials
PAL sessions have proven very helpful for understanding what we need to do for our assignments to do well. - PAL recipient, Psychology
Overall I've really enjoyed attending his sessions and feel that they have made it easier for me to transition to university. - PAL recipient, International Tourism & Hospitality Management
Every session was different, inclusive, creative and engaging and I don't think I could've wished for a more excellent PAL Leader. - PAL recipient, Forensic Investigation
[Our PAL Leader] has really aided our learning. I wouldn't have been able to do so well in first semester without the support. - PAL recipient, Physiotherapy
[PAL sessions] have been a really great place to learn as well as a safe and comfortable space for us to get to know others on our course better. - PAL recipient, Archaeology & Anthropology
