Chem 103 Peer Led Instruction

What is Peer Led Instruction (SI)?

Peer Led Instruction (PLI) is a series of weekly review sessions for any student who wants to improve her understanding of course material and improve her grades. For you, the student, it's 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'll 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. These assistants are students who have taken the same course, done well, and are prepared to share with you what they have learned about how to succeed in chemistry. They will be in lecture class with you every day, hearing what you hear and reading what you read. Their 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. They will do this primarily by facilitating group discussion and through directing small group problem solving. What they won't do is repeat lectures or work your homework problems or other assignments for you.

If we aren't doing homework problems, what kind of problems are we tackling at PLI?

PLI problem sets, designed by Dr. White and PLI Instructors Cara, Hannah, Evie, Alison, and Anna 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 be also featured at every PLI session.

When and where are PLI sessions held?

Your PLI session will be scheduled in the evening. They begin the first week of class and continue throughout the semester. Locations will be announced in lecture. Three sessions per week are planned.

I've always been a good student. Why should I attend PLI?

It's important to keep in mind that PLI is not a remediation program. Though PLI certainly does help lower achieving students perform better, it's 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'll earn a better grade. If you score less than 70 on an exam, PLI attendance may increase your score by up to 5 points.

How do I sign up?

PLI sessions are informal and no sign up is required. Be sure to bring your lecture notes, textbook, and questions.