Abstract:

During the pandemic, to provide continuous support for students who were enrolled in at-risk subjects, the peer-assisted learning programme (PALP) was moved online. Peer leaders were supported through training where through the engagement with instructors they learnt to conduct their sessions effectively through MS teams, and other online platforms. They also participated in a facilitated support session where they collaborated with other peer leaders to discuss issues and share recommendations to the emerging problems they face when supporting peers online. Administratively, conducting PALP sessions resolved issues with logistics, and centralised support provided for peer leaders. Most importantly, both peer leaders and mentees reported positive experiences with the online sessions, as consistently reflected in the 5 rounds of surveys conducted between August 2022 and January 2023. Despite this, new issues pertaining to engagement and participation during sessions, and recruitment of peer leaders emerged.  Implications and recommendations on the conduct of online peer-assisted learning programme are provided.

Keywords:

Online learning, peer-assisted learning, collaborative learning, group work, student-centred learning, virtual classroom.