Academic and personal growth by PAL participants

Abstract

This qualitative study focused on observed and perceived changes in academic and personal attitudes and behaviors by student participants in the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The PAL model employs best practices from national peer learning models including Supplemental Instruction, Peer-led Team Learning, and Emerging Scholars Program. The PAL program provides regularly-scheduled study review sessions weekly to support students achieve higher final course grades and persistence rates. In most uses of the PAL model at UMN, participation is mandatory. Arthur Chickering’s Comprehensive Theory of Personal Change was used to analyze the data. Data were gathered by the PAL study group facilitators of observed or perceived changes of attitudes and behaviors by the participating students. Four themes emerged: higher academic engagement, higher confidence, increased interpersonal skills, and improved critical thinking skills. Higher engagement with the learning process was manifested through PAL participants talking more, displaying more comfort while speaking, and asking questions of the PAL facilitators and others in the group. Increased confidence was evidenced by reduction of frustration and fear and replaced with the display of new cognitive and metacognitive thinking, expressions of self-confidence in the ability to solve problems, and learn new academic content independently. Increased interpersonal skills were higher within the study group, helping others during small group activities and within the large group discussions, making friends with the participating students and the facilitator, and actively working with fellow students to solve problems rather than preferring self-reliance and working alone. The final theme of improved critical thinking was displayed by an increased ability to understand and explain the reasoning behind concepts. Several recommendations are offered: how study group programs could foster the academic and personal growth of study group participants and areas for further research.