Peer Assisted Learning - Facilitator Training
Calling all second years!
The School of Law's Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme is an initiative offered to first years to help them settle into University life in their first semester. We are currently seeking law students going into their second year to train as PAL facilitators for next academic year (2022/23).
What will it involve?
Working as part of a motivated and committed team
Attending a one-day training session on 'Becoming a PAL facilitator' on Friday 9th September 2022, from 1000-1600, before the start of teaching (the training may occur online using Zoom – although, if I can confirm a bookable room on campus, we may be able to hold the training day in person!)
Preparing and facilitating (with another facilitator) a one-hour PAL session every fortnight in the first semester (5 sessions; either remotely using ZOOM or face to face depending on room booking availability)
Taking your share of promoting the PAL sessions (electronically, in person and hard copy)
Attending feedback sessions with your co-facilitators in alternate weeks to the PAL sessions (5 sessions, which usually last 30-45 minutes; again, either online or in person)
Attending ‘checking in’ sessions with one another and myself, as PAL Coordinator
Participation in a successfully established venture that promotes and supports the student experience (students helping students)
Why do it?
To help and support new law students to settle into ‘life as a law student’ by providing a voluntary and relaxed forum in which they can meet and talk and learn from your experiences thus far as a law student at the University of Glasgow
To develop essential transferable skills in facilitation, management and communication. And, whilst PAL is NOT teaching, acting as a PAL facilitator will help with consolidation of your own understanding of the law
To gain a real sense of achievement along with your co-facilitators
To enhance your employability
To earn a bit of extra money (you will be reimbursed for a total of 21 hours)
Having heard about previous experiences of the PAL scheme which colleagues, facilitators and student attendees have shared with me, I would strongly argue that all parties involved benefit from the experience and, in particular, facilitators gain the most tangible benefits from participating in such a scheme.
How do I apply?
If you think you can meet all of the conditions laid down in the section on 'what will it involve?' please send me an email (using the heading- Applications for ‘PAL 2022’) to Joanne.Ramsey@glasgow.ac.uk by 4pm on Friday 26th August 2022 containing the following information:
1) A written statement on why you would like to become a PAL facilitator (include any previous experiences of involvement in this kind of initiative; maximum word limit of 150 words).
2) Your first-year grades and a note of the pathway that you are on (e.g. LLB (Scots Law), LLB (Common Law), 4 year track, 2 year track, Law with languages, Joint degree).
You will hear if you have been successful in your application within a few days of the submission deadline in early September. I am afraid that there are only a maximum of 12 vacancies to fill and so please submit your application ASAP so as to provide sufficient time for me to review all applications.
Where can I find more information about PAL?
More information related to the PAL scheme and acting as a facilitator will be available shortly. However, at this early stage, you may wish to consult a successful PAL scheme that operates at Bournemouth University- (https://www1.bournemouth.ac.uk/students/library/guests-visitor-information/peer-assisted-learning-pal)
