Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) at Oxford Brookes

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a student-to-student support service designed to help you improve your understanding of core modules while also supporting your personal and academic development.

PAL sessions are led by trained student PAL Leaders who have successfully completed the module (usually with 65% or above) and are confident in supporting their peers. As a PAL participant, you’ll benefit from a friendly, informal, and collaborative learning environment where it’s safe to admit when you don’t understand something and to ask questions.

Benefits of PAL

For Attendees

Extra support alongside lectures and seminars.
A safe and supportive space to ask questions and share knowledge.
Improved confidence, motivation, and understanding of key topics.
Opportunities to work collaboratively with peers.

For PAL Leaders

Paid student leadership role.
Training and supervision provided by the PAL Coordinator.
Opportunities to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and facilitation.
Strengthened academic knowledge by revisiting core modules.
Networking opportunities with Module Leaders and staff.
A reference letter to support your employability.

What PAL Leaders Do

Run regular PAL sessions to support peers' learning.
Create an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Record session attendance.
Promote sessions to students (especially in Weeks 4/5).
Maintain confidentiality of students attending.
Communicate with the PAL Coordinator about any issues.

What PAL Leaders Do Not Do

Replace lectures, seminars, or tutorials.
Provide answers to assessment questions or share past assessment work.
Introduce new teaching materials (sessions reinforce existing module content).
Break confidentiality — “What happens in PAL stays in PAL.”

Why Become a PAL Leader?

Becoming a PAL Leader is not only rewarding but also an excellent opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development. By joining the scheme, you will:

Gain paid, meaningful work experience on campus.
Enhance your BrookesEDGE profile by developing key competencies aligned with UNESCO sustainability skills (e.g. critical thinking, collaboration, strategic decision-making).
Strengthen your CV and graduate employability.
Contribute to your Dean’s List application, demonstrating academic engagement and peer support.
Make a real difference to students taking the same modules you’ve successfully completed.

How to Become a PAL Leader

You can apply to become a PAL Leader if:

You have achieved good results in the module (usually 65% or above).
You are confident in supporting peers after training.
You can commit to running sessions regularly during term time.

Training will be provided to prepare you for the role.