'Jumping on the bus': Reflections on introducing peer-assisted learning (PAL) in clinical psychology training

Abstract

Historically, Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) has been employed by undergraduate courses to promote cross year support between students on the same course. During the current academic year an innovative PAL scheme has been piloted on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) Training Programme at UH. This scheme encouraged trainees from the Programme to support each other and to learn co-operatively under the guidance of trained third year students, called PAL Leaders. After receiving their training the more experienced students facilitated weekly or fortnightly small group discussions of a small group of first year trainees, comprising between 5-6 students. In this presentation a member of the Course Team will give a brief overview of 1) the aims of PAL in clinical psychology training at UH, 2) the training provided to PAL Leaders, and 3) how PAL was implemented at UH. Three clinical psychology trainees from UH will then give insider perspectives of what it is like to act as a PAL Leader. They will reflect on 1) the benefits of PAL to first year trainees, 2) the benefits of PAL to third year trainees (PAL Leaders), and 3) challenges of the role, including joining the process half way through the year. The presentation will end by highlighting future directions, including some implications for postgraduate teaching and learning.