PALSI - The Peer-Assisted Learning scheme using Supplemental Instruction

PALSI Home

This experience gives me a deeper understanding on 'teaching is learning'.

- Mr Chenwei CAO, PALSI Leader (AP, 2011 Graduate)

PALSI is a meaningful scheme to help Year 1 students like me to facilitate a smooth transition from secondary school to university study.

- Miss Polly YUEN, PALSI Students (MS, 2010 Graduate)

[More comments from students]

What is PALSI?

PALSI is a peer-assisted learning scheme using Supplemental Instruction (SI) model. PALSI aims at enhancing students' understanding in course materials and improve students'overall learning and reasoning skills. Regularly scheduled, out-of-class and peer-facilitated review sessions are open to all students taking the PALSI courses.

As PALSI is a course-based learning initiative, senior students who have performed well in the department core courses are invited to be PALSI Leaders. They meet with junior students (called PALSI Students) studying in the same course to discuss academic work and share tips on effective learning strategies.

Nominated PALSI courses (Semester B, 2011-12)

College of Business (CB)

College of Science and Engineering (CSE)

Why should you join PALSI?

PALSI is an academic support initiative that targets historically difficult courses so as to improve your academic performance and learning motivation, especially for Year One students.

The transition from secondary school education to university study is challenging. You have to adapt to different learning modes and environments. The cumulative effects of GPA (Grade Points Average) will bring significant impacts for further opportunities in your university study and beyond (e.g. internship, exchange, graduate honours, etc.) if you perform poorly in the first year study.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On graduation, you are expected to achieve the Graduate Outcomes.

Aligned with the Graduate Outcomes, the ILOs for PALSI were developed. Upon completion of PALSI, you will be able to:

1. Apply learning strategies, communication and teamwork skills in professional or personal situations
2. Generate ideas and analyse problems from a different perspective
3. Reflect on the subject content
4. Explain the expectations and outcomes of your own programme and courses

PALSI operations

The Scheme runs for 8 weeks, from Week 5 to Week 12 of the Semester.

PALSI Leaders meet with the corresponding group of PALSI Students 2 hours per week. PALSI Leaders will assist their students to prepare for classes, formulate study plans and review course materials in order to improve their learning skills and master the course content well. PALSI Students should prepare for the session by studying beforehand, identify the focus of the session and set learning goals. PALSI Mentors are trained student helpers who will have session visits, collect PALSI members' opinions and complete observation record.

Reflections/ Comments from Past PALSI Leaders and Students

Both past PALSI Leaders and Students found the Scheme useful in helping new students master the subject matters, and both Leaders and Students report an improvement in their thinking and organizational skills upon completion of the Scheme. Please refer to the individual pieces of reflection. [Read more]

For enquiry or nomination of PALSI courses (by Course Examiners)

Please contact Mr Raymond Chan at 34426740 or duechan@cityu.edu.hk if you want to nominate your course or have any questions.