Embedded Files
In 2018, the Chaffey College English department was awarded the Chancellor’s Higher Education Innovation Award because of our swift implementation of AB 705. In just a few semesters, the department dramatically increased access to transfer level English classes, especially for students from under-represented groups.
As a part of our continued work towards improving access and success for all students, the English department has developed the PAL program (Peer Assistant for Learning), which aims to help Chaffey students with the writing process from inside English classrooms. English 1A PALs:
Participate in their assigned courses, collaborate with the course professor, and hold after class tutoring sessions
Assist students with their reading, writing, and study habits
Help students navigate their first year of college and Chaffey College resources.
Complete trainings on writing tutoring pedagogy and best practices in community college composition classrooms.
Why a PAL embedded tutor?
Why a PAL embedded tutor?
With the changes in placement due to AB705, there is a wider breadth of skill sets and experience levels in English 1A, so students need more flexible and individualized support. Since 64% of Chaffey students are part time and many of them work multiple jobs, PAL tutors are the English department's way of bringing learning assistance into the classroom and making it available and accessible to all students.
Here are some of the benefits of this model:
Having a PAL in class tells students that tutoring and receiving feedback is an integral part of the writing process and part of being a student.
PALs provide intrusive support that focuses on skills in a specific disciplinary context. Rather than hoping that students make it to the Success Center, PALs bring that support directly to the classroom.
Because PALs participate in class, they understand their instructor’s objectives and assignments. Therefore, PAL tutoring and group sessions will focus specifically on the strategies, activities, and assignments students need to succeed in the course.
As "near peers," PALs can be a more approachable and less intimidating resource for students, while also being a model student and example of possible pathways to transfer and careers.
The PAL serves as an ambassador for all campus resources, encouraging students to access other support services here at Chaffey.
PAL Program Philosophy
PAL Program Philosophy
The PAL program was developed in response to AB705, with a goal of helping address the persistent equity gap and to help to support the wider breadth of skill sets and experience levels in English 1A. Many of the guiding tenants of the PAL program align with the Chaffey College English department's philosophies as well as the CAP Design Principles for High Challenge, High Support Curricula and Pedagogy
Here's what this looks like in the PAL program:
A focus on higher order concerns & processes in reading, writing, & researching, rather than correctness or "perfect papers." Discussion oriented sessions that allow students to engage with content and come to their own conclusions.
Low-stakes opportunities for learning through collaborative activities and guided practice in both solo and group sessions.
Intentional support for students affective needs through discussions in sessions and through weekly announcements. PALs help students develop success strategies, make referrals to campus resources, and share their own experiences as students.
Intrusive support embedded directly into the students course and (optimally) course work. Rather than the "wait for them to come to us model" of a destination Writing or Learning Assistance Center, the PAL program takes a "let's go to them" approach by placing embedding tutors directly in the classroom. This eliminates barriers for students and can help clarify the role support services play in course success.
Just-in-time remediation by providing individualized academic support at the time they need it.
In small group sessions, students set the agenda based on their needs. PALs help students think about the short and long term goals of the class and their own progress in it.
In solo sessions, PALs can individualize support based on the student's needs and the course goals.
PALs also provide "push notifications" for students throughout the semester, reminding them at key points which skills/tasks they might need to prioritize and which services can help them with both course and college success.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse