Chem 103 Peer-Led Instruction

· What is Peer-Led Instruction (PLI)? Peer-Led Instruction is a series of review sessions for any student who wants to improve her understanding of course material and improve her grades. It is a chance to get together with people in your class to compare notes, to discuss important concepts, to develop strategies for studying, and to test yourselves before the professor does, so that you will be ready on exam day.

· What happens at a PLI session? At each session, you will be guided through a review by an instructional assistant. This is a student who has taken the same course, done well, and is prepared to share with you what she has learned about how to succeed in chemistry. She will be in lecture class with you every day, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. Her job is to help you think about the lectures you hear and the text you read and then put it all together into some kind of perspective during the review session. She will do this primarily by facilitating group discussion and through directing small group problem solving. What she will not do is repeat lectures or work your homework problems or other assignments for you.

· If we are not doing homework problems, what kind of problems are we tackling at PLI? PLI problem sets will mirror concepts discussed in lecture. They will frequently break down difficult concepts into more manageable sections, making it easier for you to approach your assigned homework. Typical exam problems will occasionally be discussed at PLI sessions.

· When and where are PLI sessions held? PLI sessions are held M-F from 4-5 p.m. in Room 259 PSB. The sessions are informal and no sign up is required. Be sure to bring your lecture notes, textbook, and questions

· I have always been a good student. Why should I attend PLI? It is important to keep in mind that PLI is not a remediation program. Though PLI certainly does help lower achieving students perform better, it is also a proven method for helping good students broaden their understanding of course concepts. Attendees develop better understanding of course content as well as more effective ways of studying. If you attend PLI regularly, chances are that you will earn a better grade.