Peer-Led Team Learning Techniques (PLTL)
What is PEER-LED TEAM LEARNING (PLTL)?
Three short answers:
A.
The PLTL Workshop model engages teams of 6 to 8 students in learning sciences, mathematics and other undergraduate disciplines, guided by a trained peer leader.
B.
Students who have done well in the course previously become guides and mentors, Workshop Peer Leaders (WPL). WPL actively engage students with the course materials and with each other. This facilitation can take many forms:
1. Using various techniques for problem-solving
2. Offering timely assistance when a group is stuck
3. Providing guidance and encouragement
The WPL don’t dispense answers; they must know when to help, and when not to. The WPL sets a tone for the discussion in which individual points of view are respected, criticism is constructive, and all members have an equal opportunity to participate.
C.
Peer-Led Team Learning is a model of teaching that increases student participation dramatically; engages students in debate and discussion of scientific ideas; creates a sense of community among students and faculty; and leads to greater student success in science coursework. It introduces into coursework authentic teamwork and collaboration, and communication with diverse groups. It also provides an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage in a meaningful leadership role in partnership with faculty, in an effort that has major impact on instruction and the institutional culture; and fulfills a need of higher education to educate leaders of society, not merely technically trained individuals. It is adaptable to many different visions of content and learning goals and pedagogical methods.
PLTL Workshops for Organic Chemistry I at the Chemistry Department of Brooklyn College
The Department of Chemistry in collaboration with the NSF Brooklyn Gateway Program is running five Peer-Led Team Learning experimental workshops (10 students each) for Chemistry 51 in the Fall Semester of 2007. I am currently the workshop PLTL coordinator. Workshops are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1:45PM to 3:15PM. Students that enroll have to attend 8 workshops per semester and sign a contract.
For more information for following semesters see the Chemistry Department invitation letter for the fall semester of 2007. Here (letter).
Bibliography
1. We follow the book ‘Peer-Led Team Learning, Organic Chemistry’ with some modifications in our workshops.
Peer-Led Team Learning
‘Organic Chemistry’
2nd edition, Pearson Prentice Hall 2006
2. PLTL in general
Peer-Led Team Learning
‘A guidebook’
Prentice-Hall, INC 2001
3. PLTL for workshop leaders
Peer-Led Team Learning
‘A handbook for team leaders’
Prentice-Hall, INC 2001
Links of interest
Letter from Profs. Howell and Contel