Making an impression on your students during your first PAL session is crucial to getting them to return and attend on a regular basis. It is true that first impressions matter! It's critical to set expectations with your group on your first meeting. Here are some examples of the expectations you can set:
- Collectively agree ground rules with your students such as being respectful of each other in any form of communication (during sessions or online) – revisit these in later sessions if disruption occurs.
- Agree on which communication tool you are going to use to increase engagement. For example, if you think using a closed Facebook group, WhatsApp group, or email group would be helpful, go ahead and use it!
- Give your peers a clear understanding of what PAL is all about and what they may anticipate from you as a PAL Leader. Describe PAL and its objective, which is to assist your attendees in their learning. Make it clear that your role is to assist, not to instruct.
- Get to know your students – use icebreakers and name labels in your first few sessions to familiarise yourself with your students and learn their names to give a more personal experience.
- Brainstorm with your peers to identify their needs; this should help you develop the upcoming PAL sessions.
- Go to the sessions 'well-prepped'
