The PSLC has been in operation since 2003 and over that time we've helped thousands of students from dozens of modules in all four faculties right across the campus.
Initially created as the ECE Student Support Centre (SSC) in 2001, the PSLG support quickly became the main activity of the centre and the SSC was rebranded the Peer-Supported Learning Centre in 2003. SIF II funding in 2008 allowed the centre to expand to offer support to modules outside of the ECE department and eventually for us to have a presence in all four faculties.
After over 20 years of operations, we've collected many types of feedback from our various stakeholders. Here' a glimpse of some of what they have had to say.
Firstly, and this cannot be overstated, was my sense of relief. Being in a whirlwind of intense emotion and worrying about my final exam, the facility's offer of assistance was an opportunity I could not pass up. PSLG is a safe are where no one is judged, My anxiety about the module was reduced by PSLG's pedagogical approach, in which the peer-leaders are students who have already successfully finished the module.
My motives for wanting to be a peer-leader were purely altruistic. Having benefited from PSLG, I wanted to "give back". I believed in the uniqueness of the concept of PSLG and wanted future students who might struggle with accounting to have the opportunity to engage with and benefit from it also.
Throughout the semester in my role on PSLG, I would often pass by groups and listen to the teaching and learning. It became a two-way experience as students learned and leaders were revising the module. Having discussed this with a number of leaders and students in their final year they echoed the importance of learning and teaching through the PSLG.
The peer-leader Programme benefitted me in many ways. Chiefly, it developed my speaking skills hugely. The experience I gained talking to students and engaging them in the material was very rewarding as I felt I developed a good rapport with them.
PSLG creates a relaxed environment due to the closeness in student years. Students are aware the only thing that separates a leader from them is not skill or experience but that the leader started college year or two before they did. This makes it a lot less daunting to engage with the class.
It's like the invisible walls that separate teachers and students suddenly disappear, leaving you with two people of equal standing! I’ve personally seen this while teaching; it’s a nice change of pace being able to banter with students while learning. It makes the whole experience more comfortable and that’s what I like the most during my time as a PSLC leader.
The atmosphere created in the session fostered a sense of camaraderie and a genuine atmosphere of encouragement.
PSLG is a safe area where no one is judged. My anxiety about the module was reduced by PSLG's pedagogical approach.
I learned a lot from the PSLG sessions because I was taking an active role and working with peers rather than just listening to an explanation from a teacher.
A study session where you are not afraid to reveal deficiencies in your own knowledge. Everybody in the group is serious about grasping the principles so it’s a group sharing a common goal.
The leader made you feel at ease and I felt free to ask what ever questions I wanted without feeling like my questions were pointless. We were able to attempt the questions which really helped instead of just being handed out the answers.
I didn't feel like a fool asking questions knowing the tutors had recently done this module and probably had the same difficulty
