From 2017 through 2024, I coordinated and supervised the Peer Assisted Learning Sessions (PALS) program at the University of Windsor, which is rooted in the Supplemental Instruction program developed in the 1970s by Deanna Martin at the University of Missouri Kansas City. PALS supports students in large-enrolment ‘gateway courses’ by empowering them to take ownership over their learning, and helping them develop their own learning strategies. Research indicates students who attend PALS are less likely to withdraw from their courses, report greater confidence, and earn higher grades on average. Preliminary data suggests these effects are even larger for international students, demonstrating promise for largely international programs.
The first two images below were created for social media campaigns aimed at improving attendance rates for PALS. The third photo captures the first two PALS Leaders at the University of Windsor, where we developed the program from the ground up. The fourth photo is a celebration with six of the leaders when we were finally able to gather in person again.
