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

FAQs for Students

What is Peer Supported Learning (PSL)?

Peer Supported Learning focusses on traditionally difficult courses and offers FREE regularly scheduled, peer-led, focused study/learning sessions as a way to gain a deeper understanding of the difficult content.

PSL is provided for all students who want to:

  • improve their grades
  • improve their understanding of course material
  • learn how to study better
  • learn different study learning strategies
  • meet their peers

Did you know that 82% of students who attended sessions found PSL to be helpful in learning the course material.

PSL is open to all students enrolled in the course. PSL is provided for all students who want to improve their understanding of course material and improve their grades. Studies show that students of all academic and learning abilities benefit from participating in PSL sessions, and earn on average a half to full grade higher than those who do not participate

PSL sessions are led by a peer leader who has already mastered the course material and has been trained to facilitate group sessions. Sessions provide the opportunity for students to meet and improve their understanding of course material, review and discuss important concepts, develop study strategies and prepare for exams. 

Your leader will create activities, and/or worksheets to help you learn the course material in a fun, interactive, and engaging way that is different from traditional classroom learning.

You may attend as many times as you like, and you can start attending anytime during the semester. However, stats show that the more you attend, the more you get out of it.

What can I expect at a PSL session?

Think of PSL as guaranteed study time. Why study alone, when you can study with classmates and with a PSL leader who knows the material and will help keep you focused on the material.

You can expect sessions to;

  • be facilitated by a student leader who knows what it takes to be successful in the course
  • consist of several interactive activities which allow students to work together to explore and learn important, difficult concepts from the course
    • activities may include: worksheets, problem solving, games, practice tests, reviewing lecture notes and building study guides, etc.
  • offer insights on different ways to study, take notes, and approach exams and assignments

What is expected of me during a PSL session?

Because of the collaborative nature of PSL sessions, you are encouraged to participate in the session activities. It is a great opportunity to bring your questions, because most likely someone else will have the same question.

Remember though, PSL is not a replacement for your course. Your leader only has enough time to focus on the difficult material.

Lastly, PSL is voluntary, but we encourage you to attend PSL sessions on a weekly basis, as research indicates that students who regularly attend sessions perform better on exams and earn higher final course grades.

Why should I give it a try?

If you attend PSL sessions regularly, chances are you’ll earn a better grade. Research shows that those students who attend sessions regularly, on average, obtain half to one full letter grade higher than their classmates who choose not to attend. When you attend PSL, you’ll develop a better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. You’ll most likely make new friends too!

PSL is also Co-Curricular approved. If you attend 15 or more sessions per semester you are eligible to receive co-curricular recognition.

Reasons to love PSL

  • You can ask questions
  • Sessions are fun and relaxed
  • You get to meet new people
  • Sessions are 100% free
  • Your PSL leader knows what it takes to pass the course