What is PAL?
PAL stands for Peer Assisted Learning and isn’t exclusive to Bath – thousands of students attend PAL sessions around the world every week. At the University of Bath, we work closely with the European Centre for SI-PASS.
PAL is a supportive and confidential space to focus on parts of the course that everyone struggles with and ask the questions you don’t want to ask your lecturer. Your attendance is never shared with staff in your department.
At PAL sessions, you can come together with other students on your course to revise course materials, practise vital skills and improve your confidence. Sessions take place weekly and are led by trained PAL Leaders who are in the year above who know what it’s like to tackle the difficult parts of your course and make it through the other side.
Quotes from attendees:
"Knowing that PAL Leaders went through the same struggles as I helped with my imposter syndrome. When they share their resources, that helped even more"
"It enabled me to ask questions and clarify information in a confident-building student led environment. I was able to ask my question and get the right support needed.”
PAL sessions currently take place in the following courses. Check your timetable to find out when your sessions take place.
Click here to see a copy of the semester 1 timetable.
Not seeing your course? You can speak to the Peer Support team to see if it possible to introduce a PAL scheme in your department.
Become a PAL Leader
PAL Leaders are students who have previously completed the year or unit PAL is linked to. They volunteer their time to plan and lead sessions, facilitate discussions and activities and support their peers. If you have PAL on your course, you can become a PAL Leader!
All PAL Leaders work in pairs or small groups to run sessions and will have support from their department, the Peer Support Team and Senior PAL Leaders so you won't be on your own in the role.
All you need to do to become a PAL Leader is complete a short application form demonstrating why you would make a great PAL Leader. We recommend reading the role description and outlining the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the role.
Please note that only students who have studied a programme or unit with a PAL scheme can apply to become a PAL Leader. If you are successful, you will be fully trained by the Peer Support Team.
Read the Role Description
Apply now to be a PAL Leader
Become a Senior PAL Leader
Senior PAL Leaders act as a mentor for new PAL Leaders, facilitating weekly debriefs and supporting Leaders to plan sessions, develop activities and resolve issues. They also work with the Peer Support Team to run training and personal development opportunities for PAL Leaders.
Read the Role Description
Applications usually open towards the end of Semester 2 and throughout the Summer:
Apply now
Being a Senior PAL Leader is a great way to build on your experience as a PAL Leader and support new leaders as they take on the role. As a Senior PAL Leader, you can…
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Develop valuable skills that employers look for, including leadership, communication and facilitation skills, problem-solving and organisation to boost your C.V.