/Division of Undergraduate Education
Academic Success and Tutoring Center

Peer Assisted Learning

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a peer-facilitated learning enhancement model designed to impact the way students learn difficult content in a specific course.
PAL is attached to course sections to provide students with a systematic and structured approach for processing the course material assigned by the instructor.
During PAL sessions, students work together to gain a deeper understanding of the course content.
The environment is informal and students are encouraged to discuss course content and share study strategies. Participation is voluntary.

Students can opt-in to be added to reminders for PAL sessions.

Receive PAL Reminders

PAL SESSIONS

BIO 202
  • Wednesdays 10:30am-11:30am, Harriman 206 (leader Emma)
  • Wednesdays 5:00-6:00pm, Harriman 206 (leader Jennifer)
CHE 131
  • Tuesdays 4:00-5:00pm, Physics P113 (leader Ramoll)
  • Thursdays 3:00-4:00pm, Physics P128 (leader Saif)
CHE 132
  • Mondays 12:00-1:00pm, Physics P129 (leader Taylor)
  • Tuesdays 11:00am-12:00pm, ESS 079 (leader Johnny)
MAP 103
  • Wednesdays 10:30am-11:30am, Harriman 206 (Emma)
MAT 123
  • Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm, Physics P128 (leader Sara)
  • Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm, Physics P128 (leader Stanley)
MAT 125
  • Wednesdays 2:00-3:00pm, Harriman 206 (leader Sadia)
  • Wednesdays 3:00-4:00pm, Harriman 206 (leader Ariana)
MAT 126
  • Mondays 2:00-3:00pm, Harriman 216 (leader Nysa)
  • Thursdays 2:00-3:00pm, Physics P112 (leader Cassandra)

 

How do you participate?

While it is preferred that you attend the PAL session of the PAL Leader assigned to your lecture, students can attend any (or all) of the sessions.  Simply show up!   PAL Sessions are limited to the first 25 students!

This service is modeled after Supplemental Instruction, an academic assistance program created by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For more information about Supplemental Instruction, please visit the website of the International Center for Supplemental Instruction.

Sessions are a collaborative and informal way to practice problems related to the material learned in class. This is a program that is supplemental to lecture and office hours. Our PAL Leaders (other students who have taken and succeeded in this course in the past) create session plans based on the course material and their conversations with faculty members to cover concepts that they think will be most beneficial to you. You will work with other students and the leader to improve your confidence and competence in the material. It’s a really fun way to learn and make friends!! 

Please note: After final grades have been posted, the ASTC may share attendance information with departments in an effort to improve our services. Attendance in PAL has no impact on the grade you receive in a class.

The PAL leaders create plans for each session based on material you are currently learning.  They will not work on homework problems or other class assignments. Such material should be addressed in instructor or TA office hours.

Yes! PAL sessions depend on everyone working together! Don't worry- it is very informal and everyone works as a team to solve problems.

No, attendance at PAL sessions is completely voluntary! You can come and go as you please, although you will most likely get the most of a session by staying the entire time.

Occasionally, PAL sessions are recorded as part of our evaluation program for our PAL leaders. These recordings are not provided to students. Because the nature of PAL is collaborative, we do not disseminate recorded sessions to students who cannot attend live sessions.

Email the ASTC at tutoringcenter@stonybrook.edu and we will pass along any messages.