PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) Program

What tasks will a PAL Leader perform (times are guidelines and will vary)?

• Facilitate PAL group sessions with activities that focus on class content (2-3 hrs/wk)
• Prepare for the PAL group sessions (1-3 hrs/wk)
• Consult with the instructor - phone, web-conference, in-person, or email (1-2 hrs/wk)
• Attend the class/class lab - on-ground, Zoom meetings, Canvas (0.5-1 hr/wk)

What is required of a PAL Instructor?

• Connect with the PAL Leader on a weekly basis - phone, web-conference, in-person, or email
• Provide handouts and/or other supplemental materials for the course
• Help guide the development of activities that support course concepts
• Sign/approve the Leader’s monthly timesheet certifying the hours worked during each pay period
• Provide additional support and/or supervision to PAL Leader as needed

What are the characteristics of a great PAL Leader?

• Have earned an A or B in the course (or a higher-level course) to facilitate
• Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Be enrolled in a minimum of six units within Los Rios Community Colleges (to be paid)
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills
• Enjoys helping other students
• Demonstrate sensitivity and respect towards diverse backgrounds of other students
• Be recommended by the instructor of the class

Do you have students who meet these characteristics?

• Please complete the online recommendation form for each student referral.
  
• Remember not all applicants will be hired. Thus, applicants cannot start working before receiving a start date from the Tutorial Services Assistant or the PAL Coordinator.
• Also, share the PAL Leader Application with each student recommended.

PAL Leader Instructor Recommendation form | PAL Leader Application form

What is next for applicants offered a PAL Leader position?

• Not all applicants will be hired; yet applicants and instructors will be informed of the hiring status by the PAL Coordinator usually by the second week of the semester
• Applicants are hired based upon the needs of the college, department, and class
• May be hired as paid or volunteer PAL Leaders
• Paid PAL Leaders earn the current minimum wage
• Hired applicants are to enroll in LTAT 311, Introduction to Peer Group Tutoring (1-unit, asynchronous, online class) during or before the semester hired