This week we’re joined by guest blogger Alina, who graduated with MA (Hons) in Sociology and Politics this summer. Alina worked as a Peer Learning and Support Coordinator at SPS during third and fourth year, and is here to share everything you need to know about our Peer Assisted Learning Schemes (PALS)!
Blog by Alina
Are you in your first year and want to improve your study skills, perfect your understanding of course content, and meet like-minded people? Or are you in a later year of your degree, and are looking to gain valuable skills and experience while helping others? SPS Peer Assisted Learning Schemes (PALS) has something for everyone!
What is PALS?
PALS delivers peer-assisted learning and support, and is a model where students who are in their second, third or fourth year organise and run sessions for first year (and sometimes second year) students. PALS Leaders don’t teach, but rather facilitate peer-led learning – this means a lot of discussions, group work, brainstorming, and other fun activities!
In SPS, we currently have five PALS schemes in the following subject areas:
- Politics and International Relations
- Social Anthropology
- Social Policy
- Sociology
- Sustainable Development
Each scheme’s session is based on the core pre-honours courses for each subject area. PALS sessions usually focus on course content or core study skills (e.g. reading critically, making effective notes or writing essays), but also cover topics such as settling into university life. Our sessions are open to everyone – you just need to be taking a course covered by PALS, but your degree doesn’t need to be based at SPS. You can also attend multiple schemes’ sessions.
Why should you attend PALS sessions?
Some people assume that they can only attend PALS sessions when they are struggling with a particular course or skill. While PALS sessions are definitely the place to be when you need a bit more support in your studies, they can be beneficial to all students, as they offer a great opportunity to develop your study skills and deepen your understanding of course content in a relaxed atmosphere. They’re also a great way to meet others in your subject area, and get top tips from higher-year students who have done it all before!
PALS is not only for first year students
If you’re in your second, third or fourth year, and would like to help younger students and gain new skills, you can become a PALS Leader. Being a Leader includes working as part of a team to plan, organise and run sessions for younger students. Don’t worry if you have no previous experience in similar roles – we provide all necessary training!
Being a Leader is very rewarding, and the role will also be a great addition to your CV – you will gain great communication, team work and leadership skills (among many others) that are useful in many careers and valued by employers. You can also get further recognition for your role by completing the SPS Edinburgh Award for Leadership in Peer-Assisted Learning.
How can you get involved?
If you would like to keep in the loop about all things PALS, make sure to follow our Instagram page @spspalsedinburgh. More information about SPS PALS, including contact information and information about the specific courses covered by PALS, is also available on our website:
If you’re a first year student taking relevant courses in SPS, you will also have access to our Peer Learning and Support Hub on Learn, where you’ll be able to find information about sessions, resources, and more.
If you’re in your second, third or fourth year, keep an eye out for information about how to join our schemes – we usually recruit new leaders at the end of every semester.
Hope to see you at one of the PALS sessions this year!
