Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a peer-facilitated learning enhancement model designed to impact the way students learn difficult content in a specific course. PAL offers a different approach than tutoring. PAL is attached to CTE course sections to provide students with a systematic and structured approach for processing the course material assigned by the instructor. The PAL leader plans and facilitates PAL sessions where students help each other learn.

PAL Leaders are current or former students who have done well in the course and who have undergone an extensive PAL training to plan effective sessions. PAL Leaders attend the class to keep up with the course content, and model effective student practices and attitudes. The PAL Leader is a model student who also facilitates PAL (group study) sessions for students who are enrolled in a supported section of courses where students historically have a rate of receiving D’s and F’s, or withdrawing. PAL Leaders work closely with the professors’ assigned to PAL courses and report to the Learning Resource Center’s PAL Coordinators & Supervisors.

The PAL leader will review the course material, provide test-taking and other course-specific learning strategies for improving individual student success in the class.

PAL leaders are certified by academic departments and trained by faculty, program coordinators and supervisors to ensure students receive optimal assistance with their coursework. PAL leaders periodically attend course lectures (based on invitation), take notes, and read all assigned materials to prepare for student study sessions which they will conduct during the semester.

PAL will support all students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) majors and CTE Students taking general requirement courses (also known as a CTE Integrated courses) with historically high fail rates. Students registered in a PAL-supported course may attend as many peer-assisted study sessions as they choose, depending on space availability.

Accounting

ACC 122, 222, 321, 330, 350, 360, 421, 430

Business

BUS 104, 110, 210, 311
FNB 100
MAR 100

Computer Information Systems/Computer Science

CIS 100, 345, 395
CSC 110, 210, 230, 310, 330, 410, 430

Developmental Skills

*ACR 062, 075
CRT 100

English

ENG 101, 201, 300+

Mathematics

**MAT 008, 010, 011, 012, 041, 051, 056, 100, 104, 109, 114, 150, 160, 209, 214, 216

Modern Language

CHI 101, 102, 200, 210, 400
FRN 101, 102, 200, 2100
ITL 101, 102, 200
SPN 101, 102, 103, 200, 210, 400+

Multimedia Programming and Art

ART 100, 103, 110
MMP 100, 200, 220, 240, 260, 350, 460

Science

AST 110
BIO 110, 210, 220, 240, 420, 425, 426
CHE 110, 118, 121, 122, 201, 202, 230, 240
ESC 113
HED 100
RTT 100, 101, 301, 302, 310, 320
PHY 110, 210, 215, 220, 225
SCI 120

Social Science

AFN 123
ECE 102, 201, 292, 301, 302, 401
ECO 100, 201, 202
EDU 201, 202
HIS 101, 102, 125
LIN 100
HUM 101, 201, 213, 411
POL 100
PSY 100, 200, 240, 250, 260
SOC 100

Speech

SPE 100, 102

Video Art Technology

VAT 100, 142, 171, 271, 301, MES 152, 153

During PAL sessions, students work together to gain a deeper understanding of the course content. The PAL Leader engages students using interactive learning strategies, which encourage involvement, comprehension, and synthesis of subject content. The environment is informal and students are encouraged to discuss course content and share study strategies. Participation is voluntary.

During PAL Workshops students build routine and effective study habits with their peers. In this supportive environment where students are challenged and supported by leaders, students feel comfortable asking questions, and explaining ideas and concepts to each other.

This service is available to all registered BMCC CTE students taking PAL (supported) courses.  While it is preferred that students attend the PAL session of the PAL Leader assigned to their PAL course, students can attend any of the PAL sessions related to their registered course(s).