PALSI Coordinator Testimonials
PALSI puts students at the centre of their learning experiences. By promoting peer collaboration and support, PALSI aims to create a unique and lively learning environment that encourages personal growth and academic success. We are honoured to have Professor Katie Chan Kei-hang and Dr Calvin Keung Chung-wai joining us to share their incredible journeys and insights on PALSI.
We hope our interview with Professor Chan and Dr Keung has shed some light on the benefits of PALSI and inspired you to explore this fruitful scheme further. The full transcript is included below.
Professor Katie Chan Kei-hang
Dr Calvin Keung Chung-wai
- Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your teaching background? Which course do you teach and how long have you been serving as a PALSI Coordinator?
Professor Chan: I joined CityU as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Electrical Engineering in 2018. As a PALSI Coordinator, I teach two courses: BMS2901 Introductory Biostatistics and Data Analysis and EE3211 Modelling Techniques.
Dr Keung: I am from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, with over 17 years of teaching experience in hands-on courses such as 3D modelling and quantity measurement. I've been serving as a PALSI Coordinator since 2013.
- What inspired you to join, and did PALSI exceed your expectations?
Professor Chan: My colleague recommended PALSI for its benefits in peer learning and collaboration. After joining for several semesters, it exceeded my expectations and led to exceptional student performance, which thrilled me.
Dr Keung: I learned about PALSI through EDGE (now TED) and found it to be a beneficial scheme for teachers and students after joining for the first year. PALSI has exceeded my expectations.
- Could you share your role and what PALSI means to you?
Professor Chan: PALSI connects teachers and students, bridging learning gaps and enhancing the educational experience. PALSI Coordinators nominate the best-performing students in the course to become PALSI Leaders, and TED manages their enrolment, class logistics, and payment for their services.
Dr Keung: As a PALSI Coordinator, I bridge the gap between junior/senior students and teachers. I promote PALSI to students and nominate senior students with exceptional academic performance and a passion for helping their peers. I collect feedback from PALSI Leaders and Students to ensure PALSI evolves to meet their needs.
- What do you think are the benefits of joining PALSI?
Professor Chan: Some students may hesitate to raise questions directly to the teachers or other teaching-support staff during classes or tutorial sessions. PALSI sessions provide a more intimate and informal setting where students can discuss their questions with leaders and peers in small groups.
Dr Keung: PALSI benefits both teachers and students by identifying and addressing learning problems early on. It provides a platform for students to arrange consultation sessions with peers and leaders, encouraging them to seek help. PALSI also fosters social connections between junior and senior students, some of which endure after graduation.
- Could you share some tips on how to prepare PALSI Leaders to teach?
Professor Chan: Before each semester, I arrange an orientation meeting between PALSI Leaders and the lead Teaching Assistant. This helps them access course materials and prepare. I provide regular communication and feedback on their lesson plans throughout the semester.
Dr Keung: PALSI Leaders supplement my teaching by providing additional support and answering student questions. They do not act as my representatives, and I do not delegate my teaching duties to them. As peers, they foster a comfortable learning environment. I regularly monitor PALSI implementation and address issues with PALSI Leaders.
- Would you recommend PALSI to your colleagues?
Professor Chan: I would definitely recommend PALSI to my colleagues.
Dr Keung: PALSI has been effectively implemented at CityU for decades and helps students achieve course learning outcomes. With TED's experience in administering and coordinating PALSI, there is every reason to join. I will continue involving my courses and encourage colleagues to participate.