Learning and growing together
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are weekly study sessions run by experienced students to help you understand your unit content and facilitate your learning.
PAL/PASS sessions will be online via Zoom for Session 2, 2021. Consult faculty timetables below. You can access instructions on how to access online sessions on relevant unit iLearn sites.
PAL/PASS for students
PAL/PASS sessions are designed to deepen your understanding of the unit content while acquiring transferable study skills.
PAL/PASS leaders structure the sessions in a collaborative learning environment. The PAL/PASS leader’s role is not to teach or give you the answers, but to enable you to develop the skills to find the answers yourself.
Student benefits
In these sessions you will:
- Build self-confidence by learning how to review and question unit material in a supportive peer-based environment.
- Develop learning strategies and study techniques that can be applied to other subjects throughout your university experience.
- Get tips and hints from experienced students who have previously completed the units.
- Improve your communication and group interaction skills.
- Make friends, network and become part of a supportive learning community.
Students who attend these sessions consistently produce higher results than those who do not attend.
Timetables
Each faculty updates their PAL/PASS timetable each semester.
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences
View the Session 2 FMHHS PAL timetable [PDF 208KB] for session times.
Contact: Dr Lorna Peters
E: Lorna.Peters@mq.edu.au
Faculty of Science and Engineering
PAL is available for CHEM1001 and MATH2907. Please consult your iLearn page for more details. Note, all PAL sessions will be held on campus with a Zoom link available for those who cannot attend face-to-face.
Macquarie Business School
For the latest timetables and zoom links, please self-enrol into our MQBS PAL iLearn and see Section 5.
- View the MQBS PAL timetable [PDF 54KB].
- View the MBA PAL timetable [PDF 12KB].
Contact: Ammy Kwong
E: ammy.kwong@mq.edu.au
Facilitators
PAL/PASS facilitator (leader) roles provide eligible students with on-campus leadership and employment opportunities.
Interested students must:
- be a current Macquarie student
- have previously completed the nominated subject and achieved a grade of Distinction or better, or demonstrated academic excellence in a comparable subject.
- have completed at least 24 credit points
- maintain a GPA of 3 or above (or equivalent as per the Assessment Policy)
- be available for training in PAL/PASS leadership, or have previously completed a minimum of 14 hours recognised training
- have solid communication skills and strong English proficiency
- provide students with opportunities to network and build relationships with other students, university staff and academics
- have enhanced knowledge of subject material
- leadership and teamwork skills.
Note: Each faculty may also determine additional eligibility and selection criteria for PAL/PASS leader. Contact each faculty for more information.
Also, check the PAL/PASS policy and procedures.
FAQs
Do I need to register to attend?
You will need to register for most online PAL/PASS sessions so you can be sent the Zoom link. You can find details on the iLearn sites. Registration processes may vary depending on your unit.
Can we get help with assignments and tutorial homework?
PAL/PASS Leaders cannot help with assignments and homework. You will need to attend tutor consultations and UC consultations to get that type of help.
Who is this program for?
PAL/PASS is for everyone. Students help each other learn in PAL/PASS sessions and all together they get to understand the concepts better. PAL/PASS is not targeting students but difficult and challenging units.
Is PAL/PASS compulsory and do I have to attend PAL/PASS every week?
PAL/PASS is not compulsory and it is up to you when and which week you would like to attend. However, note that students who attend more sessions perform better. Regular attendance can also keep you organised.
If my PASS/PAL session includes worksheets, can we have the answers to the worksheet if we miss a session?
PAL/PASS Leaders design PAL/PASS worksheets and they don't include answers. The PAL/PASS class will work together to solve the worksheet. If you miss a session, you can request the worksheet and spend time solving it. To get the answers, you will have to come to the PAL/PASS sessions.
I am not doing well in my units. Who can I speak to?
If it is a unit-related question, contact the unit convenor or your tutor. Check consultation times on the unit iLearn page.