Teaching Forum: Peer-Assisted Learning and the PAL Community of Practice

When:  12 to 1:30pm, Friday 22 March 2013 (a light lunch is provided following the forum)

Where: Forestry Building (#48) Rm. 108, Fenner School of Society and Environment

Abstract: Peer--‐assisted learning (PAL) can be broadly defined as an organised activity where students are encouraged to work together to develop their understanding rather than learn new content from an expert. Such learning often occurs without encouragement, but structured PAL programs seek to structure this process with a trained facilitator that assists in facilitating discussions. This year, with the support of the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning, a PAL ‘Community of Practice’ (CoP) has been formed, bringing together individuals interested in PAL programs, as well as existing PAL--‐based educational groups, to enhance PAL practices at the ANU. The CoP hopes to achieve this through increased information--‐sharing between groups and collaboration on projects relevant to CoP members. The PAL CoP Teaching Forum has been scheduled to further promote PAL practices and start a dialogue within ANU about how PAL can work with other educational programs in order to enhance the student experience. Following an introduction to PAL, there will be workshops discussing three key aspects of peer--‐assisted learning: (1) How peer--‐assisted learning programs fit into existing courses (2) Evaluation of programs (3) Mentor selection and ongoing support. A variety of approaches addressing the above three issues will be presented; all attendees are also encouraged to contribute to the discussion.

RSVP: RSVP to John Rivers, U4541684@anu.edu.au, by Tuesday 19 March for catering purposes