Theory Behind PSL

Supplemental Instruction (SI), or as it is known to us here at Langara, Peer Supported Learning (PSL), originated in 1973 as a program developed by Dr. Deanna Martin at the University of Kansas City in Missouri. Since then, the International Centre for Supplemental Instruction has trained more than 1,500 representatives from 30 countries to start SI programs on their campuses. In Canada, the University of Guelph was designated as the Canadian National Centre for Supplemental Instruction in 2008.

At its core, PSL is an academic support program that provides free and regularly scheduled student-facilitated study sessions. PSL specifically targets high-risk courses rather than high-risk students. Courses that act as prerequisites or have high rates of students receiving a D, F, or W letter grade are targeted for support.

PSL sessions are facilitated by students known as PSL facilitators. PSL facilitators are model students who were successful in the supported course, maintain a minimum B+ GPA, and are hired and trained by the PSL program.

The goals of the PSL program are to improve student learning and performance, while also increasing student enrolment and retention.

For more information, check out:

Supplemental Instruction in Canada at the University of Guelph:

https://canadiansi.uoguelph.ca/

The International Centre for Supplemental Instruction at the University of Kansas City:

https://info.umkc.edu.si/