Three students and their PSL Leader in a class room working on problems

What Students are Saying

We asked students what impact did attending PSL sessions have on their experience at VIU - this is what they had to say. . .

(Based on 337 student survey responses who attended PSL sessions during the 2021-2023 semesters)

Impact on learning course material:

80% of students found it helpful or very helpful in learning course material.

Impact on developing study skills:

81% of students found it helpful or very helpful in developing study skills.

Impact on staying in the course:

69% of students found it helpful or very helpful in continuing in the course.

Impact on connecting with peers:

69% found it helpful or very helpful in connecting with other students.


Quotes from our Students

Every semester we survey our students to find out what their experience is with attending PSL study sessions; here are some of the comments:

“Friendly and inclusive, and they help to present the material in different ways to help with understanding if you're struggling with a certain way of how the material is being presented”

"As an international Student I felt comforted by the fact that not only did I have the full support of my professor, but also a group of students, just like me, willing to lend me a hand and help me out during the course, which proved the support that the university has for its students.”


“PSL was amazing as it encouraged my time for study to be consistent and focused."


"PSL was most helpful in helping find gaps in my learning from lecture, and from there providing guidance for my self study."

“These were VERY helpful!! I would come to the peer sessions for other classes for sure. They are the reason I am doing so well as I am in this course."


"Attending PSL was the reason I passed Accounting 100. PSL is great for collaborating with other students, and getting extra help from not only the PSL leader, but other classmates. My PSL leader was very familiar with the course material, which made asking him questions easier. I would strongly recommend PSL to future students who choose to take Accounting 100."


"Attending Peer supported learning sessions frequently this semester has allowed to me to engage with fellow students to achieve a common goal in obtaining a deeper understanding of Chemistry, Physics, Calculus and Biology."


"I was very shy kind of person while talking with someone before, as English in Canada is my second language. After attending these PSL classes and working together on a question as a team makes me feel that I can communicate and understand things better even than what I haven't believe. Now I feel confident while doing anything and talking to anyone."