What is Peer Supported Learning?
Peer Supported Learning (PSL) is an academic support program providing informal study sessions led by senior students who have taken the class previously. As peer support facilitators these students sit in the class to observe, become a peer, provide model student behaviour, and facilitate out of class study sessions. Unlike peer tutors – peer support facilitators do not teach or tutor – they facilitate the study session.
What is the Purpose of Peer Supported Learning?
- PSL targets at risk classes where the chances of receiving grade of D, F or W is higher than 30%
- The program is to help with learner success and enable students to learn skills that are transferable to other classes
- Increase retention and improve student grades
Who facilitates the sessions?
Sessions are led by senior students who have taken the course previously and did well. As peer support facilitators, these students sit in the class to observe, become a peer, provide model student behaviour, and facilitate out of class study sessions. They will be someone who has been there before and can share how they’ve succeeded.
What do study sessions look like?
- Peer support facilitators do not re-teach, tutor, or provide answers to students
- Sessions are designed to help students develop study strategies and help with the learning process in a collaborative environment
- Sessions will cover difficult content from lectures
- Different learning strategies will be used to facilitate the sessions
- Students should come prepared with notes, textbook, and calculators
- Sessions are typically 50 minutes and could be longer prior to an exam/coverage
Who should attend?
- Every student should attend where their course offers this service
- It’s a free service, voluntary and anonymous to your instructor
- If you want better grades, PSL will help you no matter your level
How do I see the session times and locations?
The session schedule can be seen by clicking here!
Peer Supported Learning
Langara College
100 West 49th Avenue
Room A367
Vancouver B.C.
Canada V5Y 2Z6