PAL
The PAL Program is excited to partner with you in supporting student success!
WHAT IS PAL? Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Leaders are fantastic undergraduate students who have successfully completed the course they support, and are then integrated back into the class after being hired and trained. They each hold two collaborative study sessions a week, which are free and available to any student currently enrolled in the course.
These Sessions Include:
deeper engagement with difficult course content
a welcoming and supportive environment to help peers connect and learn from each other
the development of study skills to create more reflective, confident, and independent learners
Our goal is to support students and instructors by fostering the skills students need to utilize resources, ask good questions, and reflect on both the information they learn and the habits they develop during your course.
PAL Partner Starter Kit:
Everything you need to connect and partner with the program and your assigned leader!
Instructor Quick-Reference Sheet for PAL - Fall 2023 (1).pdfInstructor Quick Reference Sheet
This 1-page Instructor Quick-Reference Sheet contains some key information about what to expect from Leaders and how you can help support them.
PAL Syllabus Statement
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) sessions are available as a complement to the course lectures. Your PAL leader has taken this course in the past and can share tips and tricks for success. The PAL leader will also be working closely with me as the instructor to ensure you are equipped with the right tools to support your learning. Sessions are a great way to practice course content and learn from other students’ understanding. You can take advantage of this valuable resource by watching for emails and announcements from your PAL leader. And if your schedule does not allow you to attend their sessions, you can find additional PAL sessions by visiting the ASC website (https://www.clemson.edu/asc/) and clicking on the orange “Visit PAL Website” icon.
PAL Canvas Referral.pptx (2) (1).pdfCanvas Announcement
This slide is something we hope you could post to your Canvas page to alert students of the free PAL support offered in their course.
FAQ's
What is PAL, and how it is different from Tutoring?
The PAL program provides collaborative study sessions for any student enrolled in the course. Durign a PAL session, students work together to discuss and practice course content while being guided by the PAL leader. PAL leaders and Tutors complete similar training in learning theory and facilitation techniques to engage students, but their session structures differ. Tutoring is facilitated as one-on-one or small group sessions where students can work with their tutor on specific goals such as effective study strategies and gaining a deeper understanding of course materials. The video below shares addtional information about the PAL program.
More short videos about ASC services can be found on the ASC Homepage (https://www.clemson.edu/asc/) under the orange "New Students" icon.
New to having a PAL Leader? Click here for tips
Leaders in your classroom:
Depending on the number of leaders supporting your course, a PAL leader may attend your section anywhere from once per week to every class meeting. PAL leaders attend class multiple times each week, but they may be assigned different sections to attend each day. Leaders will share their regular attendance schedule with you.
Leaders in canvas:
We will work with CCIT to get PAL leaders added to Canvas in each supported section. They can only be added in a "PAL/Tutor" role which allows them to email students reminders about their sessions each week. Please do not add your PAL leader to Canvas in a role other than "PAL/Tutor" to avoid FERPA violations.
Think a current student could be a great leader?
Click here to complete the recommendation form.
If there isn't a leader in my section, do I still have PAL support?
The PAL program makes every effort to hire leaders for each class based on the available resources we have to devote to each course. While we attempt to ensure each section sees a PAL leader often, we may not be able to have a leader attend every section. However, your students still have PAL available to them! All leaders for a course are available as a resource for enrolled students. Please encourage your students to find a PAL session that fits their schedule and their desired learning approach.
All students for a course will receive emails or reminders from a PAL leader each week once they have been added by CCIT to the Canvas page for your section (about 2 weeks into the semester).
Please reach out to clemsonpal@g.clemson.edu if you have any other questions about leaders in class.
How do I know which PAL leader to send my students to?
Students are welcome to attend any PAL session for a course they are enrolled in! They can look through our schedule site and go to whichever sessions fit best into their schedule. We also want to encourage students to try different leaders and "shop around" to see which leader they connect with the best. All of our leaders will be able to assist them with the course, but each PAL leader's sessions will be unique to their personality and approach!
In the meantime, please reach out to clemsonpal@g.clemson.edu with any questions.
How is PAL support determined?
Traditionally, we have evaluated specific factors including but not limited to:
Enrollment- Our goal of equipping new to Clemson students with the tools and strategies for successfully navigating course content means we prioritize 1000 and 2000 level classes. Our goal is also to select courses that will make the best use of peer leaders' time and training.
Course design and content- We consider the learning strategies and approaches for the course and how each peer leader can be equipped to partner with students in their study efforts.
Ability to recruit and retain qualified leaders- We must ensure a consistent and reliable pipeline of motivated students who are familiar with course content but also have an opportunity to develop in their role.
Engaged stakeholder collaboration- Our support approach includes direct collaboration with instructors and other members of the department to help ensure achievement of our mutual goals and a smooth experience for students.
Please reach out to ascpeerlearning@g.clemson.edu if you are interested in learning more about Peer Learning Support Programs.
Please reach out to clemsonpal@g.clemson.edu with any questions about the PAL Program.
We remember the passion for learning and heart for service Sarah Marshall brought to the PAL Program.
She will remain in our hearts and her legacy will live on in our efforts to develop peer leaders and support student success.
